BIRDSONG enhances any time spent outside yet we seem to be taking it for granted.

Seeing the loss of lawns, trees, hedges and shrubs when walking around our local streets is really quite worrying.

There seems to be a trend for hard paving, particularly in front gardens.

This is leading to a loss of food and habitat for our insects, birds and our struggling hedgehogs. It also and coincidentally contributes to local flooding.

Similarly, the use of plastic grass is increasing – it’s unattractive and regrettable.

This is an appeal to those of us lucky enough to have even the smallest of a green patch.

We need to cherish it and better still, add to it. If we feel we need to create more car parking space, then we really must consider ways of leaving space for nature too. We share our time here together.

Christine Mars