What YOU can do for wilder cities

After our discussions on what governments can do for wilder cities, you might be wondering: how can ordinary residents like you help as well? Indeed, scientists are increasingly aware of the benefits of citizen science and public participation, not only for furthering scientific research, but also in improving public literacy and awareness for conservation causes.

Community gardening is just one of the many things you can do to make your city wilder (Source: WIX)

Here are a few fun and simple ways you can contribute to make our cities greener and wilder:

1. Make your garden more wildlife-friendly

There are many ways to invite wild critters into your garden!

The Zoological Society of London shares several cool tips and DIY projects that your friends and family can embark on together: from hedgehog highways and garden ponds, to bug hotels!

Check out this tutorial of how to build a bug hotel for your neighbourhood creepy crawlies!

Tutorial: Building a bug hotel (Source: Zoological Society of London)

ZSL also runs a Garden Wildlife Health project which monitors the ecological health of our gardens from public contributions of reports and samples of sick or dead urban wildlife. Visit their website for more details.

2. Join a community interest group

For those without back gardens, fret not.

There are many conservation interest groups that organize regular activities and citizen science projects for fellow conservation enthusiasts. Find them on social media and get in touch with them!

UCL students can join the UCL Conservation Society with an exciting lineup of activities including birdwatching walks, DIY projects like building bug hotels and birdboxes, excursions, and BioBlitzes. (I am a member myself!)

UCL Conservation Society: A welcoming community of nature and conservation enthusiasts (Source: UCL Conservation Society)

Follow the UCL Conservation Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out their society blog.

3. Volunteer

There are many organizations out there working to make our cities wilder. Look out for them and contact them for volunteering opportunities!

In the UK, Trees for Cities is the sole charity dedicated to planting trees in cities, working with local communities to create greener and healthier cities. Check out this video introducing their work and how you can join their cause!