LANDSCAPING SERVICES
EARTH DAY SHOULD BE EVERYDAY
Events like Earth Day serve to highlight the impact humankind has on nature and climate change , and sometimes the issues can seem overwhelming . The good news is that the awareness allows us to take informed action and it ’ s encouraging to see organisations implementing Carbon Net Zero and Biodiversity Net Gain plans and policy , turning every day into earth day .
Urban green spaces serve an important role for UK wildlife including small mammals , birds and insects ; many of which are facing dramatic declines . Many of these green spaces are under the ownership of agencies who are now looking to improve , maintain and monitor their estate for wildlife in line with new Natural England metrics for assessing and attaining Biodiversity Net Gain , taking account of priority habitats and species .
The connectivity of people to biodiversity also has wider benefits . Spending time in nature is increasingly understood to lead to improvements in people ’ s physical and mental health . However , often the potential habitat range of these spaces is untapped , and they are not as biodiverse as they could be with many land management practices causing more harm than good .
Field Studies Council is excited to be pioneering work with high-profile organisations such as Sanctuary to support staff with professional development in understanding biodiversity and how they can improve the organisational practice of land management . The Biodiversity Awareness Online Training equips staff with basic knowledge of biodiversity , threats to , and the alterations that can be made to working strategy to protect and enhance biodiversity . On completing the course , staff can apply their understanding within the industry , looking towards a new strategy that will protect , maintain and enhance the natural environment through collaboration with their stakeholders .
Sanctuary staff are applying their awareness , identifying changes in their practice , and devising an organisational strategy for the enhancement of biodiversity across their estates . This includes participation in No Mow May at two of their urban park spaces and evaluating the impact on residents and on nature .
For more information on the Biodiversity Awareness Online training , or a bespoke course designed for your organisation , please contact ecoskills @ field-studies-council . org
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