Landscape & Urban Design Issue 41 2020 | Página 42

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE URBAN AND PERI-URBAN AREAS ARE BECOMING MORE CONGESTED As our urban and peri-urban areas become more congested, our bio- diversity becomes increasingly degraded; in fact, apart from our ancient woodlands, there would be few zones where biodiversity is at a level that it was before the Industrial Revolution. But does this matter? And if it does, what can we do about it? 42 www.landud.co.uk Fletton Quays, Peterborough The major factors in the loss of biodiversity (meaning the complete range of living organisms from the smallest to the largest, including plant and animal – biological- diversity) are agriculture and urbanisation. The use of chemicals and the removal of hedges are recognised as responsible for much of the loss of habitat, but the increase in building density is probably equally responsible for some of our biological deserts. As humans we are part of the eco- system that we inhabit, and our health, well being and enjoyment depends greatly on our experience of a biologically rich and rewarding landscape. Follow us @ludmagazine