If we change our perceptions and see the dandelion flower for what it is – an absolute lifeline to our bees in early spring – we might learn to love them more.”Ī study by pollinator researchers revealed that many wild urban “weeds” rank very highly for the quantity of nectar and pollen each flower provides, often much higher than a variety of garden plants. And bird’s-foot-trefoil, a not uncommon urban verge plant, is a food plant for more than 160 different invertebrates. “Every flower counts and will be targeted by pollinators – a patch of nettles can be swamped with caterpillars. All these little micro niches build up to a wonderfully complex tapestry,” Dines said. “One survey of pavements in Sheffield found 183 different plants, another in Cambridge found 186 species on walls. Photograph: Courtesy of less spraying and weeding, we might expect to see up to 400 plant species on walls and paths, he suggests. In this special series of reports we'll be looking at how animals and plants adapt to city life, what to look out for right now and how we can encourage more wild cities in the future. It has also offered us the chance to notice and appreciate the natural world in cities in an unprecedented way. The Covid-19 outbreak has seen cities and towns across the world go into lockdown which has enabled wildlife such as wild boar, deer, monkeys, foxes and even lions to venture into territory previously dominated by humans. The role of green spaces in urban areas has even been formalised in a draft UN agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, often referred to as the Paris agreement for nature. While urbanisation is a major driver of biodiversity loss, many conservationists and town planners are trying to make built-up areas more nature-friendly. Nature’s role in the wellbeing and happiness of billions of people will be more important than ever. This week, the Guardian's Age of Extinction site is looking at biodiversity in cities and urban areas around the world, shining a spotlight on the under-appreciated world of nature hidden among the highrises and busy roads.Īround 55% of the world’s population live in urban areas and that number is projected to rise to 68% by 2050.
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