Biodiversity Training | Supply Chain School

The Nature agenda is becoming increasingly important across the built environment sector in the UK and beyond. This is demonstrated through mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain in England, coupled with policy developments in Scotland and Wales and an increased interest and focus on external reporting on impacts on nature.

Globally, human activity and modern development have contributed to major biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation and pressure on natural resources. However, there is also growing recognition that healthy ecosystems and nature-based solutions are critical to improving climate resilience. Natural environments such as wetlands, woodlands, green spaces and coastal habitats can help reduce flooding, improve air quality, regulate temperatures and support communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Some of the key challenges impacting nature today include:

Urban expansion placing increased pressure on land and fragile habitats
Globalisation has led to the spread of invasive species which rapidly outcompete native wildlife
Pesticides from agriculture can be linked to a decline in 40% of all insect species
Climate change altering natural systems, increasing extreme weather events and affecting species distribution

Every species – from plants and animals to insects and microorganisms – have a role to play. Protecting and restoring biodiversity is essential not only for the environment, but also for creating climate-resilient places, supporting sustainable businesses and improving the long-term resilience of communities and the built environment sector.

Enhancing biodiversity on site

Biodiversity enhancement isn’t limited to new developments. Bear in mind most of our built environment is here already! Refurbishment and maintenance scheduling for the existing built environment can significantly influence biodiversity. By incorporating ecological features and management regimes, spaces can be improved to provide habitats for wildlife whilst improving user experiences and contributing to our wellbeing.

Initiatives can include;

Green roofs
Living walls
Bird/bat boxes
Bird feeders
Planting low-maintenance native species on site
Ponds and water features
Planting butterfly/bee-friendly species on site
“Bug hotels” and beehives
Even investigating opportunities for species reintroductions

Key E-Learning Modules

Explore our selection of biodiversity and nature related e-learning modules below.

Biodiversity and Ecology

Introduction to Biodiversity

E-learning module

Biodiversity, and opportunities for enhancing wildlife in the built environment.

Intermediate

45 minutes

Sustainability

Nature Training

Search our catalogue of FREE Biodiversity resources

Enhancing biodiversity on site

Key E-Learning Modules

Introduction to Biodiversity

Green Infrastructure

Introduction to Water

Climate Resilience

Nature video series

Biodiversity and Nature – Setting the Scene

Biodiversity Net Gain in the UK

Nature Related Reporting

Nature and wider supply chain impacts

Case Study: Working with Protected Trees

Nature & Biodiversity – Sustainability Short

Biodiversity on site: Halecombe Quarry

Swift and wild: How to build houses and restore nature together

Soil Association: Organic Standards for Food and Drink

Hedgehogs – why should we worry and what can we do

Environment Agency – River Restoration Weir Removal

Sustainable Site Set-Up

Peatland Action: training and skills for restoration delivery

Protecting Peatland: A key habitat with NatureScot and SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) Webinar Recording

Managing Soils Sustainably: Webinar Recording

CIRIA Soil Community

Wildlife Assessment Check

Introduction to Biodiversity

Hedgehog ecology and land management

Protected species and development: advice for local planning authorities

Soil Tool

Nutrient Neutrality Principles

Construction Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites

Endangered species in homebuilding

Biodiversity and Nature – Setting the Scene

Green Walls and Green Skills: Net Zero Skills in Action

Case Study: Z House

Case Study: Berkeley Group and Enhancing Nature

Case Study: From Greens to Meadow at Fernbrae

Case Study: Guiding the way at Ashridge Farm

Case Study: Canary Wharf Living Walls

Case Study: Regent’s Place Living Walls

Case Study: Bordon Office and Mitie Landscapes

Swift and wild: How to build houses and restore nature together

Green Infrastructure

NatureScot Green Infrastructure Projects

Canary Wharf Group Biodiversity Action Plan

Case Study: Heritage Park

Nature-Based Solutions & Climate Resilience

Urban Nature Atlas

Introduction to Biodiversity

NatureScot Pollinators in Planning

Hedgehog ecology and land management

Nature: The missing piece of the net zero puzzle

Biodiversity and Nature – Setting the Scene

Why is biodiversity important – with Sir David Attenborough

What is Biodiversity?

What is Natural Capital?

Introduction to GM Crops from the Royal Society

UKGBC: Nature and Biodiversity

NatureScot Peatland Action – Restoring Scotland’s Peatlands

The Nature Positive Business Pledge

Conservation, Biodiversity & Wildlife in Wales

Food and Agriculture Organization – Biodiversity

A just transition explained

NatureScot Green Infrastructure Projects

Canary Wharf Group Biodiversity Action Plan

Nature Based Solutions and Wellbeing

Nature Based Solutions Hub

The Natural Capital Initiative

Nature Scotland

Developing with Nature Guidance – NatureScot

The Value of Urban Nature-Based Solutions

Wales Biodiversity Partnership

Edie Explains Biodiversity & Business

National Biodiversity Network

NatureScot Planning and Development: Protected Species

Species protection and legislation

State of the Global Climate

State of the Global Climate Report