Our natural surroundings are important for our quality of
life, but plants and wildlife can be threatened by human
activity.
Problems include air
and water pollution, which can also result in acid rain; increasing
intensive farming practices; habitat loss due to development; the
introduction of some non-native species; and demand for aggregates
used for road building.
What can you do?
- Buy organic food and goods. These are
produced without chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides or growth
regulators, without unnecessary cruelty to animals and using a
sustainable system.
- Only use as much washing detergent as you
need. It contains phosphates, which can kill fish and other
organisms in lakes and rivers. Or try eco-friendly
products when possible.
- Encourage wildlife in your garden. Plant
flowers to attract insects. Butterflies particularly like buddleia,
honeysuckle and large daisy-like flowers; birds like berries and
fruit.
- Put up a bird table and bird feeders to
provide food during cold weather; or put up a bird box or bat
box.
- Use peat-free compost in your
garden. Removing peat for use in gardens destroys fragile moorland
habitats.
- Make a pond to encourage water life and
insects.
- Leave a small patch of grass untended,
only cutting it once or twice a year This will encourage insects,
which provide food for birds and other wildlife
- Set up an allotment. By growing your own
vegetables you can be sure to avoid chemical fertilizers and
pesticides, and the vast distances food so often travels.
- Join a local box scheme for organic
produce delivered direct to your door.
- Get involved in a conservation group to
help protect your local environment. Some grants are
available for community projects
The council's role
We work with a number of organisations to conserve local the
species diversity, for example the Harrogate Biodiversity
Action Plan Steering Group, which helps to protect local
biodiversity.
For more information, visit the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
page at
www.ukbap.org.uk,
then select Locate by map; England; Yorkshire and Humberside
region; and Harrogate BAP.