The Importance of Urban Biodiversity
Biodiversity is a term you’ve likely heard a lot over the past couple of years. Much like the words global warming and climate change, there can be misconceptions about what biodiversity is. It is not something that has suddenly appeared, however, it is becoming more and more necessary for us to understand it, and help foster biodiversity, especially in urban areas.
What Is Biodiversity?
Not to sound smart but, it’s everything. It makes the air we breathe safe, the water we drink clean, the grass we walk on green, it allows for us to grow food, to live. Biodiversity is the smallest bacteria, the largest tree, and the most beautiful mammal. It is a system of balance and reciprocity. We, as humans, are a part of a biodiverse planet yet, a lot of our actions inhibit biodiversity’s ability to continue. As we have evolved we have put buildings and structures where plants and wildlife used to exist. Everyday we lessen biodiverse activity within our communities whilst increasing the omissions. We need biodiversity. As mammals we are a part of the ecosystem.
If we keep releasing the gases and toxins into our air, and adversely affecting our water without having enough biodiverse elements there to assist us, we then become the cause of our own issues, creating an imbalance. We make our air unsafe and water undrinkable. Not to mention, what we have already done to the habitats that existed where we now have sprawling developments. So, therein lies the need for urban biodiversity.
As we expand cityscapes across our countryside we need to take measures to ensure that we incorporate the vitality of biodiversity. We must sow the seeds that can protect our habitat and the planet. If not for them, then for the future generations.
How Can We Assist In Urban Biodiversity?
It can seem daunting, trying to exact change and alter behaviours. However, if you think about it, a spider monkey, a seemingly insignificant contributor to our environment, is largely responsible for the disbursement, and therefore growth of the trees that are most effective in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
These monkey’s may not know they are contributing so positively yet, their simple act of eating nourishing fruit from a hardwood tree, has a ripple effect across the globe. What’s our point? Let’s be more like the spider monkey. Let’s create small changes in our lives that on the surface may seem insignificant, but once they become habits, day after day, amount to huge change.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, is a book we highly recommend reading as it beautifully illustrates humanity's relationship with the natural world, and the part we have to play.
5 Things People Can Do To Make Their Garden More Biodiverse
We all know the benefits of planting trees in urban areas but that is not something that is always in our control. If you are a developer or city planner reading this blog then please, incorporate as much plantlife as you can into your project. It is something we at Earthbound specialise in, creating a planting scheme to suit the profile and look of the location, planting indigenous species, enriching and feeding the site, not just the plants, and supporting insect life and wildlife.
However, if you are reading this blog and find yourself sitting out on an apartment terrace or have a small back garden there are still things you can do to assist in biodiversity.
You can start composting raw green waste, leaves and grass cuttings, and use it on your flower beds or potted plants.
Make eco-piles for insects and wildlife habitation. An eco-pile can be made from unused or fallen wood. Simply stack it in a quiet area of your garden and leave it for animals and insects to enjoy.
Don’t just plant anything, plant native species that are good pollinators. Feed the earth, feed the insects, and in turn they feed your plants.
Try to avoid using membranes in your gardening. These membranes often don’t work as the airborne seeds of weeds will still take hold. The plastic membranes also prevent enrichment from reaching the soil.
If you do find yourself planting trees in urban areas then try to ensure that they are the most beneficial tree for the job. Remember, all trees are important but some are better suited to air purification than others.
Is It More Expensive To Create A Biodiverse Garden?
In short, no. In fact, it is the most natural thing you can do. Long term it even costs less because your garden is working towards sustaining itself, as well as the environment as a whole.
Of course, if you need any more assistance with this, please feel free to contact us. Whether it's an urban area or rural, there's no difference in our approach. Our designs are always site specific, an essential service that enables us to create sustainable gardens and happy clients. You can read more about our services here.