SCOTTISH Natural Heritage (SNH) has urged Scotland’s planning and construction industry to create a more ‘resilient and nature-rich’ urban environment to help accommodate pollinators.
The public body has published new guidance on how best to fit pollinators into urban design and construction. Wildflower meadows, flowering trees, hedgerows, nectar-rich plants, window boxes and green roofs are among some of the suggestions.
SNH chief executive Francesca Osowska said, “The recent State of Nature report set out clearly the pressures our biodiversity is under and, like much of our wildlife, pollinators are facing a multitude of challenges.
“Improving our urban greenspace will provide vital habitat and can also help us adapt to and mitigate climate change.
“High-quality developments that protect and enhance our nature are good not just for businesses but importantly for people too, with attractive greenspace in urban areas known to boost our health and wellbeing.
“I’d encourage everyone in the sector to take a look at this guide and consider how they could do more to plan for pollinators and help create a nature-rich future for everyone in Scotland.”
