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Biodiversity

Marsh marigolds  
   

FACT

Without a change in our consumption of material resources, half of the world's species will be lost by 2100.

 
   
Shrubs and plants at Gremista Waste Management Facility  
   

FACT

118 of the top 150 prescription drugs contain chemicals derived from plants. Losing plants could limit our health options.

 
   
Verge  

Your role in supporting biodiversity should be considered if:

          • your building has amenity ground attached
          • your service operations affect areas of open ground
          • you are responsible for operations involving cutting/maintaining grassed areas or areas of open ground
          • your operations impact on the marine environment

          Have you fully assessed your plans/programmes/strategies?

          Strategic environmental assessments are now required for major strategies and policies.  Have you considered how you could actively assist in protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of your area as part of your programme or are you content to just achieve minimum compliance.

          Can you enhance your ground by appropriate planting/development?

          A positive plan to plant wildlife friendly shrubs/plants can improve both the aesthetics of your surroundings and assist in providing habitats for wildlife.  Any development should consider how its surrounds can be landscaped.

          Grass cutting/verge maintenance

          Have you considered the dates and frequency of cuts to maximise the retention of native plants and wildlife.  Do you need to cut all areas currently being cut or can you reduce the areas or frequency of cut to allow seeding of plants where possible

          Have you carried out an audit of what flora and fauna are on your site and/or how they might be affected by your operations or developments?