Western Isles Biodiversity
How you can help
Globally, habitats and species can be threatened by factors such as air and water pollution and global warming. However, you can make a big difference as an individual by small changes in the way you do things in your home, garden, school or community which will minimise the impact you have on the environment. Even the smallest alterations to your lifestyle can make a real difference. Below are just a few examples:
At Home
- Recycle as much as possible. There are now recycling skips for collecting aluminium and steel cans, plastic bottles and glass throughout the Western Isles. Depositing items on a weekly basis only takes a couple of minutes and means you don’t need extra storage space. This will reduce the amount of waste going into the local landfill sites.
- Compost household waste such as vegetable peelings.
- Consider buying local and/or organic produce. There are seasonal produce markets in Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra. Buying local produce cuts down on transport requirements and supports the growth of local sustainable businesses.
- Avoid excessive packaging.
- Use less energy. Boiling only the quantity of water you require saves energy.
- Consider buying energy efficient appliances when you renew your old ones.
- Reduce chemical use in the home by using biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning products and washing powders.
- Use more recycled and environmentally friendly products in the home.
In the Garden and On the Croft
- Plant native species such as hazel and rowan that will provide food and shelter for animals and insects.
- Erect a bird box in your garden.
- Reduce the use of herbicides and pesticides and look into ways of controlling pests and weeds naturally.
- Consider buying alternatives to peat compost as this natural resource is under threat.
- Encourage your garden centre or DIY store to supply materials needed for biodiversity-friendly gardening such as alternatives to peat-based compost.
- Create a wildflower lawn by leaving an area of your lawn uncut until the end of the summer to allow plants to flower and set seed. This will attract insects such as bumblebees.
- Consider growing your own produce.
- Compost your garden waste such as weeds and grass cuttings.
- Find out about the different animal, bird and insect species that visit your garden or croft.
- Use seaweed in the garden and on the croft instead of chemical fertilisers.
At Work
- Try to use your car less, especially for short distances - walk or cycle instead. This will cut down on pollution from vehicles and its healthier.
- Consider car sharing or using public transport more often.
- Encourage recycling and energy efficiency.
- Plant wildflowers and native tree species in your office grounds or around car parks. These areas create an ideal environment for many insects, birds and other species.
At School and In Your Community
- With your school or local community create wildlife areas in public areas.
- Encourage recycling and energy efficiency.
- Look at developing a community compost scheme.
- Join a local community environmental action group or set one up.
- Take part in local or national surveys of plants or animals around your area or in your garden such as the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Breeding Bird survey and the RSPB’s Garden Bird survey.
- Get involved in local conservation projects or work run by organisations like RSPB.
- If you are a parent or interested in education, encourage your local school to carry out biodiversity projects.
- Shop locally and support local businesses.
- Encourage your local golf course to take part in the Scottish Golf Course Wildlife Initiative.
- Find out about your local environment - the different habitats and species in and around your school and home.
Biodiversity Begins with a B!
Scottish Natural Heritage has released a short animated video about biodiversity on YouTube.
Biodiversity begins with a B is a darkly comic look at the importance of bees to our natural environment. Featuring the voice of Scots comedian Phil Kay, the video highlights that some bees are not doing so well and promotes a few easy actions - growing wildflowers, using less pesticides, mowing the grass less often - we can take to help support bees and the variety of living things around us.
