Peachtree Creek Greenway’s Post

A lovely Marsh Fritillary spotted this week on a Bodmin Moor peatland restoration site 🦋 This beautiful species, once widespread, is now threatened in the UK and across Europe. Marsh Fritillary relies on extensive habitat networks and is now confined to the western side of Britain and Ireland. As the name suggests, its main habitat are damp marshlands and shorter grasslands. They also rely on Devil's-bit Scabious and other Scabious species as their main foodsource and also hibernation spots. A sighting of a rare species like this, the first in years at this location, is a key reminder of the vital importance of creating spaces where nature and wildlife can thrive, particularly the often overlooked insect species. We are sometimes told 'nature will heal herself' - this is not the case. Humans have, and have had, such a vast impact on the landscape that we now need to invest in our wild spaces, shape the right habitats to flourish and think thoughtfully about how to tackle degrading and drained landscapes that provide little biodiversity support. Spaces like this area of holistic peatland restoration works on South West Water land on Bodmin Moor are doing just that, holding back water in the landscape, slowing the flow down, tackling erosion, improving the hydrological functioning of the peat and diversifying plant and wildlife species. Watch this space 💧 Lovely fritillary spotted by SWW Director of Natural Resouces Carolyn Cadman SWPP is funded by Natural England South West Water #UpstreamThinking #DuchyOfCornwall National Trust Environment Agency Cornwall Council #peatlandrestoration #peatbog #peatland #generationrestoration #landregeneration

Maintaining ecological corridors and supporting wildlife in their need to move is critical not only for wildlife to thrive but for human safety on roads to be prioritized as well. Highway overpasses and underpasses are solutions depending on context and placement, but advanced planning for roads, housing, subdivisions and development before construction and building are critical considerations from the local to national and international levels. Many of the roadways we utilize have been there for decades, long before humans fully understood wildlife movements and their need for connectivity and connected landscapes. Habitat must be connected in order for wildlife to move and thrive allowing for natural ecological processes to continue. We cannot go back in time, but we can move forward together with a greater understanding of what we need to do now. Doing something is not better than doing nothing. Much detriment has occurred and harm from work that was not comprehensive in scope. Instead of doing harm, we must plan, research, and implement sound strategies for the future of wildlife species and keeping people safe on roadways. https://lnkd.in/gdHdvXVQ

🦅🇨🇦Bald eagles return to Toronto Toronto celebrates a significant #environmental #victory with the return of #baldeagles for the first time in history, showcasing the city's commitment to its #ecosystem. Karen McDonald of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority highlights the eagles' presence as evidence of a healthy #environment. Once vilified and nearly wiped out by the toxic chemical and commonly used insecticide #DDT and #hunting, the eagles' #recovery reflects a positive shift in environmental awareness. Removal from the #endangered species list marks a milestone, though concerns linger over recent changes to conservation laws. Decades of restoration efforts have paid off, fostering a thriving ecosystem where diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, now flourish. However, the eagles' sensitivity to human interference underscores the need for balance and respect in coexisting with nature. McDonald remains hopeful for the eagles' future, emphasising the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife. Photo: (c) unsplash.com/Mathew Schwartz https://lnkd.in/gWHvFagQ

Creating stepping stones for urban wildlife: A key to thriving cities 🏙️🌿 Our cities are not home to just us humans - they're home to countless native species too! This newly published research reveals how strategically placed green spaces can connect isolated habitats, giving urban wildlife a chance to not just survive but thrive in an urban environment. Here’s what was discovered: → Habitat fragmentation is a big challenge for city-dwelling wildlife. It creates isolated patches that make it difficult for species to survive. → Small green spaces can act as "stepping stones" between larger habitats. These stepping stones allow species to move safely between areas, finding food, shelter, and mates along the way. → These spaces benefit small creatures like blue-banded bees and mole crickets especially. These species struggle to navigate urban landscapes, but connected green spaces can help make a huge difference for their survival and numbers. → Urban nature is so important for human well-being and child development too. Green spaces in cities help reduce stress, improve physical health, and foster social connections. Adding green spaces to urban areas isn't just about helping wildlife. It's about making our cities healthier, happier, and more livable for everyone. Strategically placing these green spaces can also help us adapt to climate change and give residents fun places to enjoy. 🌱 🏙️ Want to learn how you can help create a wildlife-friendly city? Read the full article in the link below! 👇 https://lnkd.in/gVU-_pid #UrbanWildlife #BiodiversityConservation #GreenCities #HealthyCities #ClimateAdaptation #SustainableUrbanPlanning

🏡🐦 Building homes for humans AND wildlife? Now that's a win-wind situation! Major UK house-builders have taken a fantastic step towards supporting biodiversity with the 'Homes for Nature' commitment. Starting September 2024, they'll install bird nesting bricks or boxes for every new home built, plus create hedgehog highways as standard on low-rise developments. This initiative goes beyond just ticking boxes: • It's a crucial move to support declining swift populations and other bird species • It complements the recent biodiversity net gain regulations • It brings people closer to nature in their own backyards But why stop there? Many builders are also incorporating: • Bat roosts 🦇 • Insect bricks 🐝 • Hibernacula for reptiles and amphibians 🦎 As someone who's passionate about both property and the environment, I'm thrilled to see this collaboration between the construction industry and wildlife organizations. It's a small change that could make a big difference! What are your thoughts on this initiative? Have you seen any wildlife-friendly features in new developments near you? #SustainableConstruction #WildlifeConservation #GreenHousing #BiodiversityMatters Speaking of eco-friendly practices, at Fairhall Jet Wash, we're always looking for ways to minimize our environmental impact while delivering top-notch pressure washing services. Want to learn more about our sustainable approach? Drop us a line! https://lnkd.in/ewGyCiM5

📰 Treat yourself to this beautiful new profile of Northeast Wilderness Trust by Susan Shea in Northern Woodlands, which captures the promise of our work and what makes rewilding so essential right now. Join Susan and our staff as they explore Woodbury Mountain Wilderness Preserve in Vermont and experience the unique joys of wilderness and how it fits into the intricate "quilt of land uses for the Northeast." "The benefits of forever-wild conservation include the potential over time for a greater proportion of old, undisturbed forest across the Northeast. Old forests offer tremendous carbon storage, clean water, and habitat for bird species and other wildlife that need late succession habitat. They also provide research sites for scientists studying ecological processes, and serve as examples for foresters trying to mimic their beneficial characteristics in younger, actively managed forests. Protected wildlands offer places for people to connect with nature free of the sound of motors." Reach the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejyVDMPc #rewilding #landtrust #landconservation #northeast #oldgrowth

The largest wildlife bridge in the world 🌎 This is the Zanderij Crailoo Nature Bridge in the Netherlands! Its position, stretching a half-mile over a busy highway and railroad, allows local wildlife to cross over safely! It is currently the world’s largest wildlife crossing, however, a bigger one is expected to be completed outside of Los Angeles, California in 2026. It is estimated that over 350 million animals in the United States, and over 194 million birds and 29 million mammals across Europe are killed by traffic every YEAR! As our cities and countries become more densely populated, our roadways, waterways, and rail networks will need to continue to expand too; however, this CAN and MUST be done in a responsible, earth-conscious way. Wildlife bridges have countless benefits for both animals and humans in that they help to restore migration paths for animals, resolve issues caused by habitat fragmentation, reconnect ecosystems, provide more green spaces to urbanised areas, and ultimately reduce human-wildlife collisions. In addition to land bridges, some incredible marine and subterranean bridges exist across the world, allowing diverse species to pass over, under, or through these shared spaces. In addition to public awareness, our legislators have a huge part to play in ensuring that common-sense innovations and designs like these are integrated as non-negotiables into our society. In the US, for example, legislation on wildlife crossings has only recently been passed under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, whereby $350 million was set aside for the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, which over five years will fund state and federal agencies and tribal nations to evaluate the need for/build wildlife crossings in their respective areas. The footpath we took runs alongside the wildlife bridge, and we loved knowing that the diverse species in the area had their own safe space to cross, just like us! Share this video if you want to see more of these wildlife bridges all over the world! Netherlands #gogreen #ecodesign #goinggreen #nature #sustainability #eco #sustainable #earth #architecture #sustainabledesign #design #wildlifebridge #wildlife #design

🌍 Casting light on conservation: protecting Rhinos with solar power 🦏 On this International Rhino Day, we’re proud to spotlight a ground-breaking project that reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and wildlife conservation. Together with Sectional Title Solutions (STS), Bright Light has successfully powered up the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary with a fully off-grid solar solution. The devastating impact of poaching has left countless young, orphaned rhino calves in need of protection. In response, we’ve stepped in to ensure that the world’s largest specialised rhino conservation facility can operate sustainably, providing vital power and water for their daily needs. The solar array, operational since June 2021, generates an impressive 41,760 kWh of electricity annually, replacing the sanctuary's reliance on costly and unsustainable generators. This 26.1kW PV system, featuring 58 panels and a 59.2kWh battery solution, has transformed the way the sanctuary operates, allowing 24-hour care for these incredible animals. As Michael Faber, Director of Bright Light, puts it, “By helping protect rhinos, we’re conserving their habitat for the benefit of people and other wildlife, ensuring that natural resources are available for generations to come. Solar is the obvious choice when wanting to cut back on costs while contributing to the green economy.” Since the installation, the sanctuary has welcomed an influx of orphaned baby rhinos and has been able to keep their hospital facilities running around the clock—something that was previously a challenge. We’re thrilled to contribute to the preservation of this iconic keystone species. Together, we’re not just saving rhinos; we’re securing a sustainable future for all. Read on: https://ow.ly/ExQC50TavO5 #InternationalRhinoDay #Conservation #SolarEnergy #Sustainability #WildlifeProtection #BrightLight #CareForWild

The enchanting tale of the Ealing Beaver Project in urban London is a heartwarming reminder of nature's resilience and the potential harmony between urban development and wildlife conservation. The birth of baby beavers, or kits, in Ealing, London, marks a historic moment, not only because it's the first occurrence in over 400 years but also because it may very well be the first instance of beavers being born in an urban setting in the city's history. The successful breeding of these Eurasian beavers at the Paradise Fields site in Greenford is a testament to the project's success and the adaptability of wildlife. It showcases the possibility of coexistence between humans and nature, even in densely populated urban environments. The project, aimed at engaging the public with nature, studying biodiversity improvements, and monitoring flood mitigation effects, has seen the construction of dams and lodges by the beavers, indicating their comfort and happiness in the habitat provided. This milestone is a beacon of hope for urban biodiversity and demonstrates the positive impacts of reintroducing species to their natural habitats. It emphasizes the importance of green spaces within cities and the benefits they provide, not only to wildlife but also to the mental and physical health of the urban populace. The Ealing Beaver Project serves as an inspiring model for other cities to follow, illustrating that with thoughtful planning and community engagement, urban areas can contribute to conservation efforts and foster a deeper connection between city dwellers and the natural world. For more information on this heartening development, you can read the full article here: [https://buff.ly/3YKC9cG. #BeaversInLondon #UrbanWildlife #ConservationSuccess

Encouraging and supporting wildlife on our developments Nature is intrinsic to everything we do at Strata, providing us and our suppliers with the resources and services we need to thrive, which in turn allows us to create spaces where people can enjoy access to nature and a good quality of life. During the planning process, the team works closely with wildlife experts to uncover ways in which we can support and enhance the natural habitats of a variety of species, through the inclusion of biodiversity and nature. While each development is unique, we do consider set criteria as standard to understand what enhancements will have the most benefit, some of these include: - The installation of bird boxes and hedgehog highways - Connectivity to the wider environment through wildlife corridors - Nature retention, such as hedgerows and mature trees - Retention of public open space for habitat enhancement - Native species prioritisation or for any planting to have proven benefit for the local environment Here are some tips on what you can do to help wildlife at home. We'd love to here what you do at home to help wildlife thrive! ⁠ ⁠#earthmonth #earthday #sustainability #sustainableliving #sustainablehome #sustainabilitytips #wildlife #nature #biodiversity