Bring your neighbourhood to life by building ecological networks of habitat through your balconies, terraces, window boxes and gardens.

The vast majority of us want to do something to support urban wildlife, and with good reason: nature is good for us. But with over 14,000 species of animals, plants and fungi in London alone, it can be difficult knowing where to start or what to do.

To make it simpler, Natural Neighbours has worked with wildlife experts and journalists to create a fresh, accessible and effective approach to urban conservation. We’ve listed individuals and groups of animal species that are attractive, fascinating and relatively easy to provide some support for in your outdoor space at home or work. We call these our Spotlight Species.

All animals need to be able to eat, drink (or otherwise absorb) water, shelter from predators or harsh weather, and breed. They differ in how they do those things, and in what types of habitat they need to do so.

Just like us, they need to move around safely between the network of places that they use to find food and drink, gather with friends and family or get away from trouble. This network of habitats is called the ecological network, or econet. Each animal’s econet is unique, but it will overlap with that of many other animals that share similar habitat.

Read on to find out more about the Spotlight Species, the types of habitat they need, and how you can work with your community to create healthy econets for them across your neighbourhood.