Action for Habitats

From changes to built structures and business areas to the creation of new housing estates, existing and new opportunity for nature and people needs to be considered.
Our...

• Opportunity to accommodate business, homes and wildlife together
• Inspiration for landscaping
• Drive for regeneration

Because action speaks louder than words, we can...

• Feature green space in new development
• Conserve species inhabiting these areas
• Provide man-made habitat as bonus accommodation for wildlife

Urban habitats are a disparate group bringing nature to our doorsteps. They are more characterised by their ownership and usage, than their specific ecology. They form oases of green space in our towns and cities and may contain remnant countryside. Together they form a mosaic of areas that offer breeding sites, foraging areas and shelter. To maintain viable species populations, links between these are vital. Urban habitats can support very different communities to rural ones, but can also support those more typically associated with semi-natural habitats. These `urban habitats' need not be in wholly urban areas, but can occur in the urban fringe and as elements within Bromley's wider countryside. This habitat action plan incorporates:

•  Gardens & Allotments

•  Urban Parks, Open Space & School Grounds (including formal managed landscapes, grounds in hospitals, colleges, golf courses, businesses, institutions, sports grounds etc.)

•  Churchyards & Cemeteries (within and without the confines of a church, respectively)

•  Transport Routes (eg. railway lines and sidings, road verges)

•  Industrial Sites, Brownfield Sites & Built Structures. (eg. surface of buildings, roof tops)

The BBAP aims to:

•  Identify the extent of urban habitat and key ‘corridors' of urban green space.

•  Survey urban habitats and any remnant semi-natural habitats they contain.

•  Conserve and enhance the biodiversity of urban habitats and look for opportunities to expand corridors.

•  Strive to provide accessible urban habitat sites within one kilometre of residential areas.

•  Increase awareness of the role urban habitats play in supporting wildlife.

Green Gardens

Private gardens, school grounds and allotments create a green patchwork within our most urban areas and provide our most frequent contact with nature.
Our...

• Gauge of the changing seasons.
• Local learning resource
• Green-fingered exercise on our doorstep
• Escape from a busy life style

Because action speaks louder than words, we can...

• Garden organically
• Plant for the benefit of wildlife
• Limit ‘non-living’ elements in garden designs
• Enthuse future generations on how biodiversity helps us

Gardeners  tend these green spaces with a justified sense of pride and satisfaction and personal tastes make each area unique.  Decisions are made continuously about choice of planting, how to improve soil, what gardening products to buy and how best to control pests.  Green gardening is about limiting damage to the environment and promoting its benefits.

Visit BARS to find out about current action for Green Gardens. 

Parks & Open Spaces

These places provide the ‘green lungs’ in our neighbourhoods and  freedom  to experience the benefits that the natural environment has to offer.
Our...

• Space to move and play
• Interaction with other local people
• Ornamental heritage
• Outdoor armchairs with a view

Because action speaks louder than words, we can...

• Balance both people and wildlife appeal
• Maintain and ease access to these green spaces on our doorstep
• Promote suitable settings where parks fringe other areas.

Visit BARS to find out about current action for Parks & Open Spaces. 

To read a full copy of the Urban Habitats Habitat Action Plan, click here.