BLOG – Why Biodiversity Matters

What does biodiversity mean?

Biodiversity is simply the variety of life around us – plants, animals, fungi, even tiny microorganisms – and the ecosystems they help create.

Right now, the UK has one of the lowest biodiversity levels in Europe. But there’s good news: restoring our woodlands, wetlands, heaths and wild grasslands could help capture up to 12% of our greenhouse gas emissions. Nature really does pull its weight.

Nature helps our cities too

Bringing nature back into towns and cities does more than make them look nice:

Keeps our streets cooler

Natural shade can lower temperatures by around 0.5°C.

Helps prevent flooding

Trees and plants soak up rainwater.

Boosts wellbeing

Greener places make for healthier, happier communities.

How you can help?

Green your space

Even tiny changes can have a big impact

GROW UPWARDS – Use trellises, climbers, arches and living walls.
ADD A MINI-POND – From a bucket to a full pond, just make sure wildlife can get in and out safely.
SEASONAL BUFFETS – A window box or plant pot is enough. Try herbs like rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, mint, chives, fennel, hyssop, marjoram, and caraway.
BE A LAZY GARDENER – Skip mowing in May and let wildflowers feed the pollinators.

Get involved

Create a green future for your neighbourhood

VOLUNTEER by joining tree-planting, community gardening or local nature events.
SUPPORT LOCAL GROUPS such as Friends of Parks, rewilding projects, community gardens.
SPEAK UP FOR NATURE by letting councillors and developers know that green spaces matter.
STAY CONNECTED by checking our website for volunteering and community opportunities.

Share your journey

Upload your photos and updates via social media

We’d love to see your social media posts so be sure to tag us where possible.

In addition, we set up the Greening Greater Manchester Facebook Group as an online space where everyone can share their ideas on how to make Greater Manchester greener and more resilient to the effects of climate change – please post in here too!

Lucy Stowell-Smith

Strategic Lead – Urban Nature