Debdale Nature Centre

Absolutely, and this is what we’re all about!

We saw 5 different species of bats on our Bat Walk last night 🦇

Does anyone fancy a moth ID session? Or a general Bug ID session?

By reducing litter, letting wildflowers thrive, and choosing nature-friendly gardening, we can create space for healthy ecosystems and biodiversity right on our doorstep 🌿

We can all do our bit to create cleaner, greener spaces for everyone. 💚

How many have you seen so far?

The ecological processes happening right now under our feet 🐾 and in our gardens have taken thousands of years to evolve and continue in an ever-changing process of growth, life, reproduction, death, decay and regrowth 🌿

There are multiple ways to work with this cycle to get food, fuel, fibre and medicine out of your patch of soil 🤎 Working with nature, rather than against it, is key 💚

Small actions make a big difference and benefits of going chemical-free include healthy soil with tastier, organic food, stronger plants and thriving wildlife. Your garden or allotment is an ecosystem - find out what works for you. Here are some ideas:

🪲 Habitat creation - ponds, wild patches, log piles and hedges
🦋 Planting out & companion planting
🐌 Pest control barriers
🫖 Compost & compost tea
🌱 Green manure - keeping living roots in the soil year round

https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/team-wilder-chemical-free-gardening-and-food-growing
📷 Amazing collage imagery and insect detail from Marian Hill Buzz & Skuttle

We had an incredible turnout at the bat walk this evening…I counted 72 people at one point!

We saw 5 different species of bats and had a lovely wander. Nice to catch up with everyone, thank you for coming along.

Huge thanks to Matt Holker & Stuart Fraser. A pleasure as always 🦇🦇🦇

Happy Bat Appreciation Day! 🦇

How well do you know your bats? Can you ID them?

🦇 Common pipistrelle: Dark, golden-brown fur with a dark face mask. Fast, twisting flight.
🦇 Brown long-eared bat: Grey-brown fur and big ears. Slow, fluttery flight.
🦇 Noctule: Golden-brown fur with darker wings. Strong, fast flight.
🦇 Natterer's bat: Medium size, long ears, pink face, light brownish-grey fur.

Have you ever seen one?

📸 Tom Marshall

Conditions are looking pretty perfect for the bat walk this evening. Please dress in clothes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy and obviously sensible shoes. Looking forward to seeing you all at 8pm 🦇

Sound advice!

A perfectly tidy garden might look beautiful at first glance, but it often comes at a hidden cost.

When every leaf is cleared, every branch removed, and every corner trimmed to perfection, you may also be removing the very life that keeps your garden healthy.

What we often see as “mess” is actually a network of small habitats working together to support nature.

Simple things like leaving fallen leaves on the ground can provide essential shelter for insects, amphibians, and pollinators during colder months.

Dead wood, such as fallen branches or old tree stumps, plays a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil. These spaces also attract insects that become food for birds, helping maintain a natural balance.

Allowing parts of your garden to grow a little wild can make a big difference. Uncut grass along fences or in corners creates safe spaces for pollinators and small creatures.

Bare patches of soil, which might seem unfinished, are actually important nesting areas for ground-dwelling bees that help pollinate fruits and vegetables.

Even small features like a shallow water source can support birds and other wildlife, especially during dry periods. Leaving fallen fruit where it lands provides a valuable food source, while spiders quietly help control insect populations without the need for chemicals.

This does not mean your garden has to become completely unmanaged. The goal is balance. By intentionally leaving a few areas undisturbed, you create pockets of life that strengthen the entire ecosystem.

Over time, this leads to healthier soil, better pollination, and a more resilient garden overall.

A garden full of life may not always look perfect, but it serves a much greater purpose. When you make space for nature, even in small ways, you are helping create an environment where both plants and wildlife can thrive together.

Our famous Bat Walk is this evening! We’re so excited to show you how many bats we have in our local area. See you at 8pm at Debdale Nature Centre.
There is limited parking on site and refreshments will be available 🦇🦇🦇

🐞🐛The Big British Garden Survey🐝🐜

Gardens are wonderful spaces often full of colour, scent and plants, but look a little deeper and you might reveal something more – a rich biodiversity of wildlife. But do you know what’s there?

We're inviting people across the UK to take part in our Big British Garden Survey to help build a national picture of where wildlife is thriving in gardens and where there may be opportunities to encourage more biodiversity.

"The results of this important new survey will help us understand the role that thousands of gardens play and to champion ways in which gardeners can continue to support wildlife conservation in the UK," says National Garden Scheme President, Alan Titchmarsh. "I would encourage everyone with a garden to explore their own patch of earth and contribute to this fascinating survey.”

Click the link and take part👇️
https://ngs.org.uk/the-big-british-garden-survey