Biodiversity in the Urban Environment
In urban areas, development and the swallowing up of green space for nature is unfortunately an ongoing threat to biodiversity. We need to ensure that sensitive development and wildlife can co-exist happily. By incorporating wildlife-friendly features into new developments, we can mitigate some of this effect. In some cases we can achieve net biodiversity gain, but it takes collaboration on all sides.
Building Developments & Conservation
Many local councils are putting in place requirements that mean new building developments must incorporate wildlife-friendly features to compensate for the loss of habitat for wildlife. Below are some great examples of how this can work in practice.
In our spirit of collaboration, we partnered with Ealing Council on this. Together with housing officers, we’ve been exploring opportunities for falcon nesting provision on existing buildings. EWG are are also communicating with various developers, planners and property managers to advocate for, and protect, birds of prey. Furthermore, we also consult on biodiversity in building management and proposed development plans.
In addition, in order to enhance our work and contribute to wider issues, we work closely with conservation organisations such as; South West London Environment Network (SWLEN), London Bat Group and others.
To highlight the issue and to get people engaged, we invited Catherine Day, local Swift Officer for the RSPB, to speak to our members about how they can help swifts. We would like to make swifts and bats in buildings a future focus.
Liaising with developers is a never-ending project. EWG will continue to alert building managers and developers to their legal commitments to existing protected or threatened species. We will also continue advising on how they can actively help these glorious species.
Peregrine Falcons
Once almost extinct, this impressive raptor is making a comeback in urban environments. Tall buildings mimic their ancestral cliff ledge homes and make for great roosting sites. Hospitals, cathedrals and public buildings all over the country are welcoming peregrine falcons to breed on their roofs or ledges, and some are using webcams to showcase their iconic residents.
- EWG has brought peregrine falcons to the attention of several building owners across Ealing, reminding them of their duties not to disturb this Schedule 1 protected species.
- We’ve discussed protection/disturbance and put forward proposals for nesting provision for peregrine falcons with local developers Greystar and Bouygues
Excitingly, we’re in talks with Ealing Hospital regarding the recently arrived pair using the hospital as a roost site. In early 2021, we hope to install our first peregrine nest boxes or platform in two locations, with webcams! We’ll keep you posted!
