What if...
What if…
no one bothered about wildlife in new housing schemes?
Biodiversity officer
Ben Tongue
Environmental sensitivity is one of the hallmarks of a sustainable community. In the past many housing schemes have attracted criticism because of claims that they have simply ‘concreted over’ green spaces with no regard for the environment.
In fact there is strong protection in both UK and European legislation for certain species and habitats that could be at risk from development. Last year, for example, 11 local authorities in Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire put housing schemes on hold because of the threat to three kinds of rare bird: the nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler.
It’s important to protect natural habitats when developing new homes because when a species is removed from one area, it may take years to establish itself elsewhere – or may never do so. What’s more, homes that are designed with biodiversity in mind will be more attractive to residents.
Developers are finding increasingly inventive ways to attract and retain wildlife. One such method is to provide ‘green roofs’ which act as a habitat for wild flowers and provide a haven for insects and birds. A lot of work has been done in London to promote green roofs, which have appeared on homes, schools and office blocks – there’s even one on top of the Barclays Bank building at Canary Wharf.
