In a world where a large, ape-like creature could possibly exist is a world that I dream of living in; large forests, woodlands, green cities filled with flora and an abundance of wild, natural landscapes. Bigfoot should be able to hide from us, undetected, in the darkest deepest corners of wild areas.
This isn’t the world that we currently live in. “In the UK, 97 per cent of our hay meadows and wild grasslands have been wiped out since the 1930s (The Wildlife Trusts).” We can almost confirm that Bigfoot doesn’t exist as its ‘supposed’ habitat is divided by grey roads, towns and cities. Whatever Bigfoot eats, I’m pretty sure it’s not concrete or tarmac. Further to this, “The world has lost just over half of its biodiversity – 52 per cent since 1970 (Living Planet Report, 2014 WWF),”; a shocking percentage. We haven’t left room for enough plants or trees that create these desired environments; let alone space for any undiscovered species of ape.
How to help:
- Leaving parts of your garden ‘wild’ and ‘un-manicured’. By this I mean: letting the grass grow, sowing wild flower seeds, leave brambles/’weeds’ and encourage a meadow-like vibe.
- Leave hedgerows and trees to thrive. Don’t replace them with fencing (unless necessary).
- Increase native planting in your borders, containers and in the lawn itself. I use Penlan nursery as a guide on British native perennials.
- Increase amount of planting overall; fill borders, containers etc to the maximum. Watch the amount of weeding, tidying and work you have to do on the border decrease and the amount of wildlife increase dramatically.
- Grow fruit and vegetables.
- Visit conservation areas, wetland centres, moors/grasslands etc for inspiration but also to support these charities; this will help these areas thrive.
- Volunteer for ‘In Bloom’, the Forestry Commission or local horticulture groups; all who are trying to keep environments green and not grey.
This list seems so trivial, but it’s a small step towards bigger plans. Imagine every UK garden as a haven for wildlife and flora; this in turn will create an abundance of green space that will start to spread into large towns and cities. At the moment, I can walk a mile without seeing a plant and this drastically needs to change.
Article inspired by ‘Wild Thing‘ a podcast by Laura Krantz and Foxtopus. Ink.
Also inspired by Singapore, written about in this National Geographic article: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/urban-expeditions/green-buildings/green-urban-landscape-cities-Singapore/
