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You’re working on a planning application, perhaps for a housing development or a business, and then, urgh, jargon. It’s always a faff to get to grips with. I mean what is the ‘statutory biodiversity net gain metric’ anyway? Sprinkle in all of the regulations and legalese, and you have the perfect recipe for a headache. …

British butterflies rely on nectar-rich flowers for adults and specific host plants for caterpillars. The best butterfly plants in the UK include Bird's-foot Trefoil, Knapweed, Devil's-bit Scabious, Hemp-agrimony, Lavender and Wild Marjoram, while Nettles, Buckthorn and Thistles support breeding populations.

The best plants for a British hedgerow are hardy native species like Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Common Holly, English Lavender and Yew, as they act as vital wildlife corridors, providing ample shelter and food sources for animals. To promote biodiversity, include a mix of native shrubs, grasses and flowers, and allow them to grow thick and tall.

Natural herbicides offer a safer, eco-friendly alternative to chemical weed killers, helping protect soil, wildlife, and human health. From simple DIY methods like vinegar or boiling water to longer-term solutions like mulching and strategic planting, there are effective ways to manage weeds without relying on harsh chemicals.

Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is important because it helps all living organisms live and thrive. A more diverse ecosystem is more resilient to disturbances like drought, disease, pests and human disruptions, and is the keystone to our food systems, medicine, climate, resilience, air quality, and public wellbeing.

Planting pollinator plants in UK gardens and green spaces helps support bees, butterflies and other insects that keep ecosystems and food production functioning. Choosing the best plants for pollinators in the UK, especially native wildflowers that bloom across seasons, can quickly turn even small areas into valuable wildlife habitats.