Current Projects
Barn Owls
Durham Veteran Trees
Otters
River Derwent Grass Snakes
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Chester-le-Street Biodiversity Project
Coalfields and Lowlands
Coastal Soft Cliff Invertebrates
Hedgerows
Juniper Regeneration
MAGical Meadows
Road Verge Reserves
 

Building for Biodiversity

Although new development should avoid building on or damaging important sites or populations of species as a first principle, biodiversity can be incorporated into developments through wildlife-friendly landscaping, installation of sustainable drainage schemes, and features such as green walls, balconies and roofs, and nesting and roosting spaces. This is 'designing for biodiversity'.

This page provides links to sites with specialist advice on these issues.

Building Links

http://www.besa-uk.org/
The British Earth Sheltering Association is a non-profit making organisation aiming to encourage the design and construction of Earth Sheltered Buildings in the United Kingdom.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/
A subscription-based online resource for environmentally sensitive design and construction. BuildingGreen Suite offers you a wide range of information - from articles and product listings to project case studies - to help you build a greener world.

http://www.aecb.net/
The Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) was established in 1989 to increase awareness within the construction industry of the need to respect, protect, preserve and enhance the environment.

http://www.wildlifeservices.co.uk/nestboxes.htm
A variety of nestboxes to purchase.

http://www.cat.org.uk/index.tmpl?refer=index&init=1
The Centre for Alternative Technology - includes Eco-Building consultancy.

http://www.nef.org.uk/
The National Energy Foundation (NEF) is an independent educational charity based at Milton Keynes and controlled by an eminent Board of Trustees. It was established in 1988 to work for the more efficient, innovative and safe use of energy and to increase public awareness of energy in all its aspects.

http://www.blackredstarts.org.uk/pages/greenroof.html
Detailed Information on Green roof design for wildlife.

http://www.bauder.co.uk/data/usercontentroot/systems/Green%20Roof%20Systems/default.asp
Bauder - suppliers of Green roof technology.

http://www.buildingdesign.co.uk/facil-group5/green-roof-systems/green-roofs.htm
Greenfix system - Green Roof Technology.

http://www.beautifulbritain.co.uk/htm/wildlife_gardening/sparrow_terrace_plans.htm
House sparrow nest box design.

http://www.londons-swifts.org.uk/Nestboxes%26Attraction.htm
Swift nestbox designs for various building locations.

http://www.londons-swifts.org.uk/MakingHomesForSwifts.htm
Incorporating swift nesting locations into buildings without compromising maintenance.

http://www.alanaecology.com/acatalog/Bat_Boxes.html
Bat boxes of various designs - some incorporate into buildings.

http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/nestbox/lhn.php
Nestbox design for starling.

http://www.nestbox.co.uk/starling.shtml
Buy starling nestbox.

http://alanaecology.com/acatalog/Nest_Boxes_Feeders.html
Sells specialist nest boxes and bat boxes for incorporation into buildings.