The Eden Project has partnered with BAM UK & Ireland to inspire others to boost nature inclusivity in built projects
Nature recovery in the built environment is an important aspect of a reforming construction industry for the health of both the local population and the planet.
The collaboration between the two will work to change mindsets and demonstrate various methods of integrating nature into projects.
There are three key pillars for the partnership
During the collaboration, BAM UK & Ireland and the Eden Project will:
- Educate: Create meaningful programmes that spark curiosity, share knowledge, and empower action for nature among our people, clients, and partners.
- Act: Work with clients and partners to deliver projects that prove innovation, and biodiversity can thrive side by side to protect nature and improve human wellbeing.
- Influence: Lead by example, challenge barriers to nature-based solutions and openly share their journey, successes and lessons to inspire industry-wide change.
The partnership will allow certain BAM projects and staff to maximise health, wellbeing, and biodiversity outcomes for both clients and people. A key example of how this will be accomplished will be through creating healing gardens and green spaces, outdoor learning environments, and biodiverse spaces for children and communities.
John Wilkinson, COO of BAM UK & Ireland, said: “Since the early 1970s, animal populations have declined by 73%* and our industry has played a role in that devastation – but we now stand at the edge of a precipice. We can either accept that human activity has caused this destruction and work together to address it, or we can ignore it and watch as nature loss inevitably results in damage to human civilisation.
“We’ve chosen to take a stand, and to do it alongside the Eden Project, to inspire and embed change across the built environment.”
Nature recovery in the built environment needs further support
Last year, the Wildlife Trusts released a report that urged the government to work with developers to focus on nature recovery.
Suggested solutions in the report include integrating net zero targets into developments, and preserving 30% of land for nature and natural purposes by 2030. Further suggested reforms include:
Strategic and nature-centric planning
The UK needs a strategic and joined-up approach to housebuilding that complements nature recovery and balances competing demands on land. The planning system should always avoid causing harm to legally protected areas, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation.
A new land designation, Wildbelt, would put nature at the heart of the planning process by protecting land of low biodiversity value specifically for nature recovery. Wildbelt would also support local authorities to implement statutory biodiversity duties and deliver Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
Climate action through development
Buildings are one of the UK’s largest sources of carbon emissions. Improving energy efficiency by retrofitting homes and embedding features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and green roofs can reduce emissions and bills, while benefitting health, well-being and wildlife. Implementing some of these changes widely could help the UK achieve net-zero. Inexpensive, small-scale changes – such as including swift bricks in new developments – can support nature recovery and contribute to wildlife corridors.
Nature-rich neighbourhoods
Integrating nature into new developments provides multiple health, social and environmental benefits. These include health and well-being impacts for people, reduced air pollution and better protection from flooding. Evidence shows that people with better access to nature are more active, mentally resilient and have better all-around health.
New developments should help to connect nature reserves and other important areas for wildlife and ensure that everyone can access greenspace within 15 minutes walk or wheel.
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