AFTER a devastating report on the state of Britain’s wildlife, the RSPB has launched a campaign to help tackle the ‘housing crisis’ facing threatened creatures.

The charity aims to inspire Dorset residents to help towards creating a million new homes for nature across the UK, urging the nation to provide a place for wildlife in their own gardens and outside spaces.

The campaign’s launch comes a month after 25 wildlife organisations, including the RSPB, released the groundbreaking State of Nature report revealing 60 per cent of wildlife species studied have declined over recent decades.

Many garden favourites in Dorset were among creatures shown to be in serious trouble including starlings, hedge-hogs, some butterflies and ladybirds. All are in danger of further declines unless more is done to provide better habitats.

Tony Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in Dorset said: “Nature in the UK is in trouble and some of our more familiar garden species are among those suffering serious declines.

Dorset gardens provide a valuable lifeline for species like starlings, toads, hedgehogs and butterflies, which are struggling to find homes in the wider countryside.

“Although the overall problem is huge, the solution can start on a small scale, right on our doorsteps.

“It doesn’t matter what sort of garden you have, what size it is, or even if you have no garden at all, we need everyone to help by turning their outside space into a wildlife haven.”

TV homes expert Linda Barker, pictured here, is one of the famous faces supporting Giving Nature a Home.

She said: “Planting wild flowers, digging a pond or creating a log pile for bugs is not just a good way of getting creative and making your garden more attractive, but it will also benefit threatened garden wildlife at the same time.”

To help spread the word, the RSPB has joined up with Rightmove, the UK’s number one property website, to help promote the campaign to homeowners, renters and those looking to get onto the property ladder.

Many of the RSPB’s reserves will be running special events and activities. For more information, visit rspb.org.uk and there is a starter guide on the website.