Biodiversity Training | Supply Chain School

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The Nature agenda is growing hugely in importance for the built environment as a sector in the UK and beyond. This is demonstrated through the introduction of 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.

Meanwhile, Natural England’s 2024 State of Natural Capital Report delivers a stark yet crucial overview of the health of England’s natural environment. It shows that many of the ecosystems we depend on – forests, rivers, wetlands, and coastal areas – are in decline, threatening everything from food security to public health and climate resilience.

Globally, development and the increased modernisation of our lives have caused an alarming decrease in biodiversity, all while we increasingly realise that natural systems and nature based solutions offer one of our best routes out of the climate crisis;

The pressures of urban expansion place an ever-increasing demand on fragile natural resources and available habitat
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

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part.

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

Nature video series

Explore our selection of biodiversity and nature related videos below that cover a range of core topics.

Biodiversity and Ecology

Biodiversity and Nature – Setting the Scene

Video

Setting the scene on biodiversity and nature.

Beginner

5 minutes

Sustainability

Biodiversity and Ecology Training

Search our catalogue of FREE Biodiversity resources

Enhancing biodiversity on site

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

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

Wildlife Assessment Check

Introduction to Biodiversity

Hedgehog ecology and land management

Protected species and development: advice for local planning authorities

Nutrient Neutrality Principles

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

Biodiversity Mitigation Hierarchy Guide

Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy

UK Biodiversity Indicators

Speedy Hire’s Nature Positive Roadmap: Webinar Recording

Wilmott Dixon Biodiversity Strategy

Nature Strategy Handbook

Towards a global map of natural capital: key ecosystem assets

Nature: The missing piece of the net zero puzzle

State of Nature Report