Page 11 - Wildlife News December 2015

spaces for wildlife Influencing Sftoarnndaintugruep
development
Flower power
Sow a flower bed Senior Conservation Officers Beccy Micklem and Neil
of traditional Rowntree explain how the Trust actively engages with
cornfield developments to promote the interests of wildlife.
annuals.
(Wendy Tobitt) Species such Last year BBOWT examined 9,000 applications so we could stand
as cornflower, up for wildlife. While resources do not allow us to comment
(Brent Simpson) corn marigold, on every planning application, where proposals might cause
poppies and significant harm we work to protect wildlife and, where possible,
corncockle secure ecological benefits.
offer a dazzling For six years BBOWT has worked with developers and Cherwell
display. For best District Council to maximise wildlife opportunities within the new
results re-sow North West Bicester development. Proposals include integrating
every year. existing watercourses, hedgerows and newt ponds, as well as
Rotten luck creating new homes for wildlife such as a nature reserve, a country
Every garden park and wildlife-friendly drainage features to establish a network
should have of habitats throughout the development.
a compost The current site is predominantly arable. There is no way the
heap. As well development could continue to support the farmland birds that
as turning out live there so we have encouraged the developers to commit to
compost for funding work to improve nearby countryside for these species. The
the garden, aim is that the development should result in a net gain for wildlife.
they offer a Wildlife habitats can be integrated into development at street
home to many and house level too. Street trees and wild flower-rich verges not
invertebrates. only benefit wildlife but provide an attractive outlook. They can
also help to counter air pollution, soaring temperatures in heat
Bug bonanza waves and rapid runoff during heavy rainfall.
Insect, or bug Houses and gardens can include wildlife features such as
hotels are fruit trees, green or brown roofs on garages, and bat and bird
easy to make boxes built into the structure of houses. When responding to
from salvaged major planning applications we encourage developers to include
and natural features like these.
materials. The earlier that developers consider wildlife within the design
Hollow stems process the better. Giving due thought at the start can minimise
and drilled holes the impact on existing wildlife while maximising creation of new
will provide wildlife habitats at all scales.
hidey holes for
(Ben Vanheems) solitary bees.

(Amy Lewis) Feathered nest (Kieron Huston)
Bird boxes and
other homes Why not pay a visit to BBOWT’s model wildlife gardens? You
for wildlife can find them at the Nature Discovery Centre, Berks, Warburg
offer instant Nature Reserve, Oxon and College Lake, Bucks.
accommodation.
Site bird boxes Visit the gardening for wildlife pages on the website
in a quiet area, for ideas and downloadable how-to guides and ID
out of direct charts: bbowt.org.uk/wildlifegardening
sunlight and the
prevailing wind, 11
and with a clear
approach.

December 2015