Allotment Biodiversity

Allotments have a significant role to play in the protection and promotion of biodiversity.

Allotments are important habitats for wildlife as they provide food, shelter and breeding sites. By gardening in harmony with nature, people benefit as much as the other species belonging to the planet.

Biodiversity is the variety of living things on earth, from the smallest insect to the largest mammal and tree. It encompasses the variation within a species and the complex ecosystems or habitats where they are found.

Biodiversity is not just restricted to rare species or threatened wildlife sites, but includes the whole of the natural world.

Allotments provide the perfect environment for many types of beneficial creatures which assist the plot-holder in a number of ways:

• Insects and bees pollinate the flowers of fruit and vegetable plants in their search for nectar.
• Birds, insects and other creatures devour garden pests such as aphids, mealy bugs and whiteflies.
• Earthworms help maintain the soil’s quality.
• Ground beetles provide an effective pest-removal service.