3 ways to turn your backyard into a nature haven

Emme Williams is a up and coming veterinarian who combines her rural roots, veterinary expertise, and passion for sustainability to inspire positive change in the world.

Growing up on a farm, Emme developed an early appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the importance of caring for both animals and the environment.

“Growing up as a farmer’s daughter the land is what we live off. I have always held immense value for nurturing nature. Nurturing natures allows for native animals, crops, pastures and livestock to thrive not just today, but well into the future.”

– Emme Williams on why nurturing nature is important to her.  

For Emme, nurturing nature starts at home, on her family farm.

“I nurture nature at home by creating native tree species plantations, which has allowed for countless Australian animals to thrive in these habitats. Australian native species have evolved over millions of years to thrive in our specific climate, soil, and environmental conditions that are unique to Australia. Many of these plants are found nowhere else in the world, and by planting native flora, we’re supporting the preservation of native Australian biodiversity. These trees come to provide essential food, shelter, and nesting sites for native wildlife, such as birds, insects, and mammals,” Emme said.

“Growing up in Willawari, I’ve seen the firsthand impact that conservation efforts can have on an area. Greening Australia have actually been to our farm multiple times and have planted well over 5000 trees, just on our property alone! With these plantations we have countless wallabies, kangaroos, lizards and birds now call this area home.”

Here are Emme’s top tips on how you can get involved in protecting nature around you, starting from your backyard.

1. Choose native plants for your garden as they provide habitat and food sources for local wildlife. Be sure to research which plants are best suited for your region before introducing them into your backyard.
   
2. Create a variety of habitats. Introducing little diverse habitats into your garden, such as trees, shrubs, or even a small pond, can provide a safe haven for wildlife to nest, rest, and seek shelter.
   
3. Participate in local conversation efforts! There are heaps of ways to get involved in environmental community efforts. Local councils around Australia offer programs spanning from pollution reduction, such as picking up waste and recycling properly, all the way to urban greening, such as planting trees and developing greenspace to combat heat island effects in cities. Take a look at what your local council is doing and get involved!

We believe that nature looks after us, so we must look after nature.

That’s why we’re asking Australians to make their very own nature pledge to nurture nature. We’re aiming to show Australian’s how easy it is to nurture the nature around them by being more sustainable in their daily lives. Read all about the Small Habits, Big Changes campaign here.

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