March 2024 wild makeover tip: put away the spray

When tidying up your outdoor space for spring, put away the spray to protect wildlife, pets and human health. Accept some 'weeds' as wildflowers that benefit butterflies. You can control others manually, using hand tools or weed barriers. Tolerate slugs and snails - few species eat live plants, but help with composting, and attract hedgehogs and frogs. You can reduce their numbers by encouraging these predators, choosing off-putting plants and protecting seedlings. Lobby your council to go pesticide free to help the environment in your local streets.