University conduct plants biodiversity survey

Flowers and plants fitted to the outside of new and old buildings can enhance the biodiversity within urban environments, a new study has shown.

The study, involving scientists and students from the University of Plymouth's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and School of Biological and Marine Sciences, monitored activity involving pollinating insects, spiders, soil invertebrates, birds and bats.

It took place at three locations spread across the city centre and outskirts of Plymouth.

Hundreds of creatures were found including 12 different types of bees, hoverflies and other pollinators.

Living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with plants grown in artificial substrates, the study found.

Dr Paul Lunt, Associate Professor in environmental science at the University of Plymouth and the new study's lead author, said: "We're in the middle of a global biodiversity crisis where wild species are increasingly being threatened by the changing climate and habitat loss.

"We need to do everything we can to support our wildlife, and it is one of the reasons why living walls are becoming an increasingly visible feature of UK urban design.

"Our work provides one of the clearest assessments to date of their biodiversity benefits, as well as a policy challenge with current legislation, meaning their ecological contributions are being undervalued in planning assessments.

"Based on our research, we feel there is a case for revisiting that if we are to fully realise the extent to which living walls can benefit our urban flora and fauna."

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