Building Biodiversity into our Allotments

Society increasingly recognises allotments, especially in cities, as vital wildlife habitats. They offer green spaces in concrete jungles and wildlife corridors in urban areas. 

Let's explore ways to create biodiverse allotments - thriving ecosystems. Sharing my passion for boosting biodiversity in allotments - exploring what features promote nature and how to design them into your allotments site.

Good companions

Firstly, plant fruit, veg, and flowers together. Mix native flowers with a range of flower heads to attract pollinators and consider companion planting for pest control. I have planted a range of flowers on my plot for cutting but also for pollen such as sunflowers, cosmos, poppies, ammi majus and toadflax - and there’ll definitely be some nasturtiums under my beans. Also - think about planting some bulbs for the spring and perhaps some hellebores during the winter for year-round colour for you and food for wildlife.

Pond power

Next to make your allotment more biodiverse, embrace ponds. Even a small water feature can create habitats for wildlife like frogs and newts. If you don’t have space to dig one, why not consider a pond in a pot. Not only will it provide a drinking spot for wildlife, but it also creates a habitat for frogs, newts, and other aquatic creatures, offering built-in pest control. Just be sure to include shallow areas to allow easy access for smaller critters. I’ve been looking for an open cattle trough for my plot, which I will plant for both water collection and wildlife.
 
Hero hedgerows

If you have a boundary that you are allowed to manage on your allotment site, consider planting a native hedge with such things as blackthorn (sloe berries hi!) and hazel (great to coppice for canes). These natural boundaries not only provide privacy but also serve as vital wildlife corridors and can provide you with food and useful items for your plot.
 
Compost

I'm sure nearly all of you do this already but composting is also a great way to support biodiversity as it enriches soil and provides shelter for insects. Remember to check compost heaps in winter though - you wouldn’t want to surprise a hedgehog. I’ve created a bay system out of old pallets on my half plot which saves me money and provides shelter for insects.

Feed the birds

Another thing you can do to boost biodiversity is to install bird feeders and nesting boxes to attract feathered friends all year-round. More to look at and enjoy and further built in pest control. Just be sure to clean and maintain feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease.

Go wild

Lastly, where you can - embrace the beauty of a bit of imperfection and allow some areas to grow wild to create habitats for insects and small mammals. Designate these areas visibly and make them intentional so they appear less daunting. Creating log walls or dead hedges are great ways to do this as are edging hoops and simple wood frames. I am hoping, this autumn, to create a dead hedge myself on my plot.

All this though is somewhat null and void if you spray pesticides so if you only do one thing for wildlife, I would encourage you to give up the bottle - they and I will thank you.

About Zoe Claymore

Zoe Claymore is a NAS ambassador and RHS multi award winning garden designer based in London. She focuses on creating outdoor places with emotional connection and ecological integrity. 

Follow her allotment journey on Instagram @my.rented.garden or take a look at her website www.zoeclaymore.com.