Construction Urged to Do More for Butterflies and Bees

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has published new guidance on how best to fit pollinators into urban design and construction with a series of easy steps to suit all project budgets and sizes.

Pollinators including bees, wasps, moths, butterflies and flies are vital for biodiversity, but their populations face challenges due to changes in land use, habitat loss, diseases, pesticides and climate change.

Wildflower meadows, flowering trees, hedgerows, nectar-rich plants and herbs, window boxes, green roofs, living walls and sustainable drainage systems can all help expand the habitats of pollinators, said SNH.

It pointed out that, as well as helping nature, the simple steps create more attractive environments for living, working and travelling, while also supporting local authorities in meeting biodiversity priorities and contributing to developers’ corporate social responsibility.