Biodiversity Enhancement
Enhancing Biodiversity: Installation and Creation
Enhancing biodiversity is a critical endeavour in today’s world, as it helps preserve and restore our natural ecosystems. WB Design & Construction are experienced in a wide range of Biodiversity Enhancement and Bio Diversity Net Gains schemes. By creating suitable habitats and providing resources for a diverse range of species, we can contribute to the overall health and resilience of our environment.
With the Environment Act 2021 biodiversity net gain rules will apply for a wide range of construction sites as of November 2023. As a result construction and building projects will have to prove a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%. The good news is there are lots of ways that can be incorporated into site design to improve Biodiversity net gain, or alternatively biodiversity net gain can be achieved by using off site schemes.
Below we have listed just some of the biodiversity enhancement projects we can deliver to help achieve biodiversity net gain or simply to improve the biodiversity on your landscape project.
Hibernaculars
Hibernaculars are structures specifically designed to provide shelter for hibernating animals during the winter months. They offer a safe and secure space for creatures such as hedgehogs, reptiles, and amphibians to retreat into during their dormant phase. Hibernaculars can be constructed using materials like logs, rocks, and soil to create a cool, dark, and undisturbed environment. By incorporating hibernaculars into our landscapes, we can support the survival and well-being of hibernating species.
Log Piles
Log piles are simple yet effective means of enhancing biodiversity, particularly for insects, fungi, and small mammals. By stacking logs, branches, and other woody debris, we create a habitat that mimics decaying tree trunks found in natural forests. These log piles provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for a variety of species, including beetles, spiders, and woodlice. They also contribute to nutrient cycling and soil enrichment, supporting the overall health of the ecosystem.
Wildlife Ponds
Wildlife ponds are invaluable additions to any biodiversity enhancement effort. By creating a small body of water with varying depths and incorporating aquatic plants, rocks, and logs, we can establish a thriving habitat for amphibians, insects, and aquatic plants. Wildlife ponds provide breeding sites for frogs, toads, and newts, while attracting dragonflies, damselflies, and a multitude of other water-dependent species. These ponds also serve as watering holes for birds and mammals, further enriching the surrounding ecosystem.
Meadows
Meadows are diverse grassland habitats that host an array of plant and animal species. By converting areas of land into meadows, we can foster biodiversity and create essential feeding and nesting grounds for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. The inclusion of native wildflowers and grasses in meadow creation provides nectar and pollen sources, promotes soil health, and supports populations of butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
Meadow creation and grass land conversion to meadow can be achieved in a number of ways, cultivation and seeding, over seeding application of green hay and plug planting. We always try to source seed or green hay local to the site being planted and have a number of local meadow owners we can work with to achieve this.
We are also equipped for meadow maintenance with both equipment for small scale and large scale meadow cut and collection.
Woodland
Woodland creation is a long-term approach to enhance biodiversity, offering a range of benefits for both wildlife and humans. By planting native tree species, we establish habitats for birds, mammals, and insects while sequestering carbon and improving air quality. Woodlands also provide opportunities for recreational activities, such as hiking and birdwatching, and contribute to the overall beauty and tranquility of the environment. Large scale woodland creation generally consists of the planting of whips (small trees) in the thousands which will mature over time to create a woodland. Whips are generally used due to low cost to implement and high success rate.
Trees
Planting specimen trees and small clumps of semi mature trees creates a more instant habitat however is considerably more expensive and requires more care and maintenance to ensure successful establishment.
Water course re wilding
Re wilding of a water course involves returning a water course to a more natural state, this may involve the removal of man made structures, re profiling to a more natural profile, removal of invasive species planting of native species.
