Question 1

How do I register my garden?

Accepted Answer

Registration is quick and free! Simply visit our Register Your Garden page, fill in your details (name, location, garden type), and tell us about any wildlife-friendly actions you've taken or plan to take. Your garden will be added to our network and shown on the map.

Question 2

Is registration free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Registering your garden with Community Nature Reserve is completely free. We're a community-led initiative focused on wildlife conservation, not profit. We do accept donations to help with running costs, but they're entirely optional.

Question 3

Can I register if I rent my property?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Renters are very welcome to register. Many of our members are renters who've created wildlife havens in small gardens, balconies, or even window boxes. You don't need to own the property—just a commitment to supporting wildlife in whatever space you have.

Question 4

What if I only have a balcony or window boxes?

Accepted Answer

Every space counts! Balconies and window boxes can be fantastic for pollinators and birds. We have many registered members with small spaces who've made a real difference. Even a few pots of wildflowers or a bird feeder contributes to the network.

Question 5

Will my exact address be shown on the map?

Accepted Answer

No. We respect your privacy. Only your approximate location (town/postcode area) is shown on the map as a yellow dot. No personal details, street addresses, or identifying information are displayed publicly.

Question 6

Can I unregister or update my details later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can contact us at any time to update your garden details or remove your registration. We want this to be flexible and work for you.

Question 7

What wildlife can I attract to my garden?

Accepted Answer

UK gardens can support an incredible range of wildlife! Common visitors include hedgehogs, bees, butterflies, moths, garden birds (robins, blue tits, goldfinches), amphibians (frogs, toads, newts), and small mammals. Check our Wildlife Guide for detailed information on 113+ species.

Question 8

Do I need to make big changes to my garden?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Small changes make a big difference. Start with one or two actions like planting native wildflowers, adding a bird feeder, creating a log pile, or leaving a patch of lawn to grow wild. You can build up gradually over time.

Question 9

What are the best plants for wildlife?

Accepted Answer

Native UK plants are best! Try wildflowers like primrose, bluebell, and cowslip; shrubs like hawthorn and dog rose; and herbs like lavender and thyme. Avoid double-flowered varieties (they have no nectar) and choose single, open flowers that bees can access easily.

Question 10

How do I create a wildlife pond?

Accepted Answer

Even a small container pond helps! Use a watertight container, add rainwater, include native pond plants, and create shallow edges so wildlife can get in and out safely. Avoid fish (they eat tadpoles and insects). Check our Garden Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Question 11

Is it safe to stop mowing my lawn?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Letting part of your lawn grow wild creates vital habitat for insects, which in turn feed birds and other wildlife. You can mow paths through long grass to keep it tidy. Many councils and wildlife organizations now recommend 'No Mow May' and reduced mowing year-round.

Question 12

What should I feed garden birds?

Accepted Answer

Offer a variety: sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, peanuts (in mesh feeders, not whole for young birds), fat balls, and mealworms. Provide fresh water daily. Avoid bread, milk, and salty foods. Clean feeders regularly to prevent disease.

Question 13

How can I help hedgehogs?

Accepted Answer

Create hedgehog highways by cutting 13cm x 13cm holes in fences so they can move between gardens. Provide shelter (log piles, hedgehog houses), leave out water, avoid pesticides and slug pellets, and check before strimming or lighting bonfires.

Question 14

How does the Community Nature Reserve network work?

Accepted Answer

We're a distributed network of wildlife-friendly gardens across the UK. Each registered garden becomes a 'node' in the network, creating connected habitats that allow wildlife to move, feed, and breed. Together, we're building a nationwide nature reserve made of thousands of gardens.

Question 15

Can I get involved beyond registering my garden?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can become a Wildlife Ambassador to inspire your local community, share your story for our testimonials page, volunteer at events, write blog posts about your wildlife experiences, or donate to support our work. Contact us to learn more.

Question 16

Are there local groups or events I can join?

Accepted Answer

We're growing our local presence! Felixstowe is our pilot project with active community events. As we expand to more towns, we'll be organizing wildlife walks, garden open days, and conservation workshops. Follow our News page for updates.

Question 17

Can schools or community groups register?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Schools, community gardens, allotments, and public spaces are all welcome to register. We encourage educational institutions to get involved—it's a wonderful way to teach children about wildlife and conservation.

Question 18

How can I encourage my neighbours to join?

Accepted Answer

Lead by example! When neighbours see your garden buzzing with life, they'll be curious. Share your successes, offer to help them get started, or organize a street wildlife survey. The more connected gardens in an area, the bigger the impact for wildlife.

Question 19

Do I need a certain size garden to register?

Accepted Answer

No minimum size required! We have members with everything from Juliet balconies (1m wide) to farmhouse gardens (several acres). Every space—no matter how small—can support wildlife and contribute to the network.

Question 20

What if my garden isn't 'perfect' for wildlife yet?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine! Most members are on a journey toward more wildlife-friendly gardening. Register now and commit to making gradual improvements. You don't need to be an expert or have a perfect setup—just a willingness to help wildlife.

Question 21

Can I use pesticides and still be part of the network?

Accepted Answer

We strongly encourage avoiding pesticides, as they harm beneficial insects, pollinators, and the food chain. However, we understand it's a transition. If you're working toward reducing or eliminating pesticide use, you're moving in the right direction.

Question 22

Do I need to stop gardening or let everything go wild?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! You can still have a beautiful, maintained garden. The key is balance—leave some wild areas, choose native plants, provide water and shelter, and avoid chemicals. Many wildlife gardens are stunning and well-designed.

Question 23

What if I have pets (cats/dogs)?

Accepted Answer

Pets and wildlife can coexist! For cats, consider a bell on their collar, keep them indoors at dawn/dusk (peak wildlife time), and provide high perches for birds. Dogs are generally less of a concern. Many of our members have pets and thriving wildlife gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

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