Gardens

Private gardens form an important part of the capital’s landscape and make up about one fifth of greater London. For many of us, gardens are our first and most frequent point of contact with nature.

What are gardens?
They are probably the most varied areas of green space in the capital, ranging in size from tiny backyards and roof terraces in central London, to the elaborate landscaped parkland of London's big houses.

Whose habitat is it?
Garden ponds support amphibians and dragonflies. Dense undergrowth provides good breeding sites for small birds, many of which have suffered significant declines in the countryside. Hedgehogs, bats, butterflies are frequently associated with this habitat. Larger gardens and gardens adjoining areas of semi-natural habitat may help support grass snakes, badgers and birds such as woodpeckers.

Conservation issues
Current planning law affords no special protection to gardens and London's are vanishing fast. A vast area, at least the size of 22 Hyde Parks, has already disappeared. And with London’s front gardens being paved over to create parking space, and back gardens being gobbled up by development every day, we must act quickly to raise awareness of the importance of London's gardens. Peat-free gardening is also very important in stopping the destruction of peatlands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, find out more in the Report of UK Peatlands Workshop. Find out more about the London Wildlife Trust's Garden for a Living London campaign.

Where can I see this habitat?
London Wildlife Trust can offer you plenty of gardening advice; visit one of our specialist reserves for inspiration and expertise:
Centre for Wildlife Gardening or Camley Street Natural Park