Nature Patchwork is a new initiative designed to inspire and connect people to help nature by creating wildlife habitats in their gardens and community spaces. As more people get involved, these small patches are linked together and we begin to join up nature as a patchwork of habitats in people’s gardens, schools, green spaces, allotments, parks and more.

By connecting our different patches, we help wildlife to thrive, finding food, shelter, and safe places to raise their young. At the same time, we bring people closer to nature. And while your patch might be small, it’s part of a larger patchwork that can make a real difference. 

How can you help?

There are simple ways you can create a nature patch:

• Make a hole in your fence to create a hedgehog highway
• Leave a wild area
• Stop using pesticides and weed killers
• Make a wildflower patch
• Make a mini pond using a bucket/washing up bowl
• Plant a tree or mini hedgerow
• Put up bird boxes for different species such as swifts, sparrows, starlings and robins
• Put up a bat box
• Reduce your mowing to allow flowers to grow on your lawn
• Put nectar/pollen-rich flowers in a window box or flower pot.

Even small actions can make a big difference and help build a collective impact. For example, a pot of crocuses on a windowsill could be a lifesaver for a bumblebee, which needs to feed every 40 minutes! A street full of flowerpots can create an essential foraging ground for a variety of pollinators. Check out how small actions can help, especially when more people get involved! Actions | Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Have you done something to help nature in your area? Are you planning to help in the future? Please let us know what you've done by adding it to the #TeamWilder map. Your actions will inspire others and show how we can all make a different, patch by patch. 

Why it matters

Nature is in decline with 1 in 6 species at risk of extinction, but we can help! Creating habitats in our gardens and green spaces is one of the most important things individuals can do to help wildlife. 

Leamington's Nature Patchwork launch event

Join us at Leamington’s Nature Patchwork launch event on Saturday 8 March 2025, at The Sydni Centre to learn more. Entry is free!

Experts will be on hand with advice on creating habitats for our local wildlife, as well as 20-minute talks by local specialists.

Be sure to check out our amazing Nature Patchwork map of Leamington Spa, created by talented local sewists and coordinated by Sandy from Lott Bazaar. Each beautiful patch features a local species and was specially sewn and donated for this event. A big thank you to Sandy, Anna, Nicky, Claire, Sarah, Jenny, Kath and Margaret, as well as to Queensway Court for hosting the sewing machines where the patches were sewn together to form the patchwork map.

Can you find Lemmy the Patchwork Bear?

Follow @lemmy_loves_nature on Instagram to see and celebrate existing and new nature patches around Leamington Spa. Lemmy will also be at the Sydni Centre on 8th March.

Get in touch 

If you'd like to talk to us about biodiversity, tell us about any events or activities happening, share best practice or just ask some questions, please get in touch using our enquiry form. 

Biodiversity general enquiry form

Nature Patchwork is a collaboration between Warwick District Council, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust #TeamWilder and other local community partners. The first area of focus for the initiative is Leamington Spa, with plans to expand to other parts of Warwick District in the future.