Biodiversity Delivered
A new study shows that, over the last few years, our developments in Central London have positively contributed to local biodiversity.
201 Bishopsgate Green Roof
The green roof at 201 Bishopsgate attracts the black redstart, an endangered bird species.
In early 2009, British Land commissioned Arup Ecology to review the biodiversity impacts of six of our developments completed since 2004. They reviewed the effectiveness of features implemented to date and identified opportunities to improve biodiversity on future development projects.
This study revealed significant variations in the value of biodiversity enhancements delivered. Of the six developments reviewed, two attained high biodiversity value, two moderate value, and two relatively low value. Positive biodiversity gains have been achieved, but more could be done on all of the schemes to enhance biodiversity further through additional retrofitted measures. More could also be done to implement the British Land Biodiversity Programme as effectively as possible on our developments.
The green roofs on 201 Bishopsgate and The Broadgate Tower in London EC2 and on Regent’s Place in London NW1 were highlighted as examples of significant biodiversity enhancements. Arup recommended adopting these schemes as templates for future developments.
We are now working with Arup to improve habitats on some of the sites reviewed. For instance, we are introducing bird and bug boxes on the green roofs on 201 Bishopsgate and on our Head Office in London W1, York House.
Our approach to biodiversity is constantly evolving as we learn from our own projects and those of others. This study provides a number of useful tips which we are pleased to share.
Download the Biodiversity Leaflet PDF, which provides a summary of the findings.
Contact Sarah Cary on Sarah.Cary@britishland.com for a copy of the full report.