Biodiversity and green infrastructure
We value wildlife in its own right but biodiversity also underpins much of the economic and social benefit we gain from nature. Biodiversity is simply the variety of ecosystems or habitats, of species and of the genetic diversity they contain.
The UK’s networks of diverse terrestrial and freshwater habitats support a wide variety of flora and fauna. A healthy and biodiverse environment is important to ensure our future prosperity and wellbeing.
In recent decades, biodiversity has been decreasing at an alarming rate. Rural areas are dominated by agricultural land, which in some areas is often not biodiverse, and in urban areas the loss of gardens and increases in intensive land uses often reduces biodiversity.
The planning system has a vital role to play in safeguarding and improving networks of multi-functional green infrastructure as part of the overall development strategy for an area and the wider response to climate change.
To support sustainable development and growth, we need to build more resilient multi-functional green infrastructure. Sustainable green infrastructure assets can help manage climate and natural hazards, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage natural capital and enhance resource use efficiency.
Integrating green infrastructure such as trees and woodlands into grey infrastructure assets not only supports wildlife, but can also help improve air quality and contribute to removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, increase flood protection and prevent soil erosion. Acting like giant sponges, green roofs help soak up rain water before it pollutes waterbodies, protecting wildlife and assisting with flood control. Collectively, green roofs can also help reduce temperatures in urban areas during increasingly hot summers.
For information about CBA’s green infrastructure planning, design and management services, please contact Dominic Watkins, Director.