New study hints at biodiversity potential in gardens

Scientists in Germany have developed a new tool to assess biodiversity in private gardens and highlighted the potential for large-scale enhancement.

The study involved creating a Garden Biodiversity Index by conducting detailed surveys of 28 gardens and then using it to assess the biodiversity in 2,000 gardens across Germany.

It found that the biodiversity scores of the gardens follow a ‘bell-shaped curve’, suggesting most gardens have average biodiversity while only a few have less or more.

This suggests that there are a lot of gardens in Germany which could deliver more biodiversity than they currently do, indicating the potential for widespread change.

Although these findings are not directly transferable, UK gardens are likely to follow a similar pattern and therefore represent an opportunity for policymakers to enhance biodiversity.

BALI will be advocating for similar research in the UK in order to evidence the potential role of gardens and landscapers in delivering BNG (biodiversity net gain), legally binding nature targets, and other policies.

Read the study: www.sciencedirect.com