91导航

Wild 91导航 Gardens

Wild 91导航 Gardens is a joint initiative by the RHS and to get more people growing for wildlife

Why should I be concerned?

Over the past 50 years, we鈥檝e seen declines in two thirds of the UK鈥檚 plant and animal species, for a range of reasons, including loss of habitat. Many of our once-regular garden visitors 鈥 hedgehogs, house sparrows and common frogs, for example 鈥 are much less common. 

But together we can make a difference. Our gardens and green spaces have tremendous potential to support wildlife 鈥 join our campaign to turn the UK鈥檚 estimated 30 million gardens into a network of mini nature reserves. Each year, we explore a theme that inspires action for an animal or habitat that needs our help.

Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography

Be a hoverfly hero!

    In 2025, we are shining a light on hoverflies. Hoverflies are a delight to watch as they zig-zag between flowers, bask on leaves or hover in shafts of sunlight. They are also brilliant pollinators and a vital part of our ecosystem. However, like other pollinators, they are in trouble.

    According to a UK Government report, hoverfly distribution has seen a 44% decline over the last 40 years. Without them, biodiversity would decrease, our food crops and wildflowers would be at risk and our gardens would be less productive. We鈥檇 have fewer berries, seeds and fruits such as apples and strawberries. Often underappreciated as pollinators, hoverflies help to maintain a healthy garden.

    Read our new Wild 91导航 Gardens booklet to learn more about these precious pollinators and how to garden alongside them. Find instructions to make a hoverfly lagoon or pollinator planter, plus spotter guides to help you identify different species.

    Pledge to be a hoverfly supporter and join a network of wildlife gardeners across the UK and beyond, growing for change.

Be a hoverfly hero!

Watch this video to find out more about this year鈥檚 theme.

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Helen Bostock, RHS Senior Wildlife Specialist, says:

鈥淲e鈥檇 like people to open their garden gates to hoverflies this summer. These incredible insects help pollinate our plants, keep aphids in balance and break down rotting matter in the garden. Gardeners can help attract them by planting open, easily accessible flowers. In spring, they鈥檒l be drawn to aubretia. In summer, they鈥檒l love blackberry flowers, oxeye daisy, marigolds, fennel, cow parsley and poppies. Come autumn, they can be seen on heather, aster and even common ivy.鈥

Download your free gardening guide and add your pledged patch to the UK-wide digital map:

Find out more about hoverflies

Please note: A bumblebee mimic hoverfly (Volucella bombylans) hero image above 漏 Frank Porch

Gardening for wildlife

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91导航 is the UK鈥檚 leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone鈥檚 life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.