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The move is a ‘positive step towards the arrival of #EdenProject #North, and can support local bee populations by nurturing #biodiversity. #Lancaster City Council has replaced two bus shelters in its jurisdiction with #nature-positive public transport infrastructure. Both of the stops were no longer fit for purpose, one having reached the end of its serviceable life, the other suffering extensive damage in a road traffic accident. The work itself was carried out by Clear Channel, which has partnered with the local authority since 2002, and currently have a contract for bus shelters. As such, the living roof models are being installed as part of the existing agreement, at no additional cost to the public. The same is true going forward, as the company, not #localgovernment, is responsible for upkeep and repairs to both the structure and the flora, with local native wildflowers planted among the turf. Living roof bus shelters are new to Lancaster, but other #UK cities have experimented with the idea. Back in June 2021, Environment Journal covered a living roof bus shelter being installed at Palmeira Square, #Brighton. Wildflowers and sedum plants were used for the top covering, favourites of many pollinators, including bees. In addition to assisting vulnerable species, living roof bus shelters can also help with rainwater distribution and powered with #renewableenergy. Other #British #localauthorities to utilise the technology have included Leicester City Council. 

Adelaide’s best kept Secret revealed as part of the new Significant tree’s legislation. Significant trees the cause of a frustrated twitching eye in every builder and Developer. The process of dealing with significant trees, including their removal and the associated exclusions, is a major challenge for many developers and builders. The implementation of new regulations aimed at safeguarding Adelaide's tree canopy by the South Australian government has raised concerns within the building community. News release: https://lnkd.in/gw6egYeN The recent changes involve a reduction in the measurement threshold for significant trees from 2 meters to one meter, as well as a decrease in the removal zone to three meters. This means that a tree with a circumference of one meter or more can now be considered significant even if it is 3.1 meters away from a property's foundations. A basic rule of thumb for tree influence on the footings is the height of the tree times 1.5 this provides the lateral influence of the root system from the trunk. That might be a bit old school. However, I believe it stands up with what I have seen on sites. If the tree stands 5 meters high, its influence spans 7.5 meters. The shrinking size requirements, reduced distance from properties, and the inclusion of additional tree species are expected to exacerbate the challenges faced by developers in infill and greenfield sites. Surprisingly, there is now, and has already been legislated a fee that can be paid to remove a protected tree, which could cost builders and developers as little as $1000. This fee contributes to either the local council tree fund or the state government's planning and development fund, aimed at tree planting and conservation efforts. The Plan SA website states new rules to protect Adelaide's tree canopy coming in to affect immediately – ‘Fees for destroying or removing protected trees will also increase, better reflecting the cost of tree replacement. Offset fees for a regulated tree increase from $326 to $1000 and from $489 to $1500 for a significant tree.’ Plan SA: https://lnkd.in/gDYfHCpU   This is Adelaide’s best kept secret! I do not know a builder or developer that would not joyfully pay a fee of $326 - $489 (or up to $1000 in the new legislation) to remove a tree that significantly affects the development or the viability of a development. Please comment, has this payment option got caught up in the local council quagmire or if this payment is an avenue that has been used? What cost the doubling of the legislation around trees is likely to contribute to a development?

Farmland could unlock 587 homes to help meet Middlesbrough’s needs. Around 587 private and affordable homes could be built to address Middlesbrough’s housing needs under plans submitted by Bellway Strategic Land.   Middlesbrough Council has been asked to consider a detailed application for a 106-acre site at Stainton Vale Farm.   The proposals show open spaces and environmental improvements, including work to enhance Stainton Beck.                                                                          🗣 Martyn Earle, Strategic Land Director for Bellway Strategic Land, said: “These plans for Stainton Vale Farm would bring more high-quality, energy-efficient private and affordable homes to Middlesbrough. This would help people looking to buy, rent or explore shared ownership options.   “We shared our vision for the scheme with the council and the local community before submitting a planning application. Taking their feedback on board, we have proposed a scheme which would provide ecological benefits, great transport connections and a boost to the local economy through job creation.   “The development would be centred around a green open space. Our landscaping proposals would protect and enhance wildlife habitats, and a new bus loop would provide easy access to public transport.”   Stainton Vale Farm borders the A19. The new homes would be accessed via Low Lane with a new crossing for Stainton Beck.   Martyn said: "This location is highlighted as an allocation in the Draft Local Plan. As a responsible national housebuilder, we have the expertise and resources to ensure the homes are built in a timely manner and to the highest standards, all while increasing biodiversity and natural habitats on the site.” For more information on Bellway’s commitment to sustainable building, see ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eNEGfe93

We need more trees and shrubs in our cities and towns, not just to increase canopy cover but to replace those we are losing. And since more than half of urban land is privately owned, it’s not just up to municipalities to make this happen. Homeowners and anyone else with access to land can – and should – contribute to growing and being stewards of the urban forest. https://lnkd.in/gGGnsSqj

Collaboration and alliances among local and state governments, land trusts, for-profit and philanthropic organizations, NGOs, and community groups and leaders are essential to balancing Colorado's needs for development, affordable housing, land preservation, etc. Siloed and loosely coupled missions that aren't intentionally co-designed with community, strategic, inclusive, and continuously assessed will risk perpetuating the same inequalities they seek to solve. "One example can be found in Washington’s Methow Valley, a remarkable ecosystem that hosts a vibrant tourism economy and an all-too-familiar struggle with affordable housing for the people who work there. Rather than sit aside while unfettered development eroded the valley’s natural amenities, a regional conservation collaboration, the Methow Conservancy, took action. They partnered with the Methow Housing Trust to make land available for a new neighborhood of affordable housing for local workers. Land that might otherwise have been developed by a few wealthy homebuilders on large lots is now finding a much more sustainable use, and the community can remain livable for many local families. "Other examples of conservation and amenity trap solutions coming together can be found around the country. In Sandpoint, Idaho, a conservation-led partnership is centering the development of workforce housing in tandem with conservation projects. In Durango, Colorado, a fund reimburses homeowners who build new auxiliary dwellings and rent to local workers. In Norwood, Colorado, donated land, modular home construction, infrastructure subsidized by philanthropies, and a nonprofit developer are increasing the stock of affordable housing. And in McCall, Idaho, deed restrictions (similar to conservation easements that follow properties in perpetuity) are being used to ensure future home buyers are local workers rather than second homeowners." https://lnkd.in/g5ydpWct

Excellent news ✅🌳✅ We know many communities and their Local Governments are keen to implement this Model Local Planning Policy and regulate the removal of large trees on private land. This is a critical step in addressing our Canopy Crisis. #CanopyCrisis #treeprotection #urbanforest #liveablecities #healthycities #resilientcities #urbanheatisland #WATCA #WALGA #communityvoices

According to new research by Rewilding Britain, there's been a 412% increase in jobs across 13 major rewilding projects covering nearly 60,000 hectares. This is huge for Scotland! One standout example is Trees for Life’s Dundreggan estate in the Highlands, where job creation surged from one to 35 positions since 2008, and their volunteer numbers have shot up as well. The opening of a rewilding center at Dundreggan has further cemented its role as a hub for conservation, community, and sustainable development. The Scottish Government is also stepping up with their Nature Restoration Fund, pumping £65 million into projects that restore habitats and support local businesses. It’s all part of their push to protect and restore 30% of Scotland’s land and seas for nature. As Scotland aims to become a global leader in rewilding, there's a lot of potential for nature-based solutions to address contemporary challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate change. #Rewilding #Scotland #ClimateChange

🌱 Can Timber Bridge the Gap?: Albo’s $4 Billion Plan for the Northern Territory 🏘️Australia is looking to address housing inequality with a $4 billion initiative to build 2,700 new homes over the next decade for Indigenous Australians. This monumental project, announced by Prime Minister Albanese, targets the severe overcrowding issues in remote communities, aiming to "close the gap" with practical and impactful solutions. 🔑 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Collaborative Effort: A landmark partnership between the Federal and Northern Territory Governments, alongside Aboriginal Housing NT and Aboriginal Land Councils, underscores the commitment to holistic community development. 2️⃣ Opportunity for Sustainable Building: With material procurement decisions pending, there's a golden opportunity to leverage mass timber construction. This approach can catalyse a $600m green economy across the Top End, aligning with Australia's COP28 commitment to increase timber in the built environment. 3️⃣ Indigenous-led Forestry Solutions: Emphasising indigenous-led solutions could further enrich this initiative, promoting cultural relevance, environmental sustainability, and local economic development through Australian-grown plantations and native timbers. 🤔 #questionforgroup: As Australia gears up for this significant investment in housing for Indigenous communities, how can we ensure that these homes are not just built but are sustainable, culturally appropriate, and contribute to the long-term well-being of these communities? What role do you see for mass timber in achieving these goals? 🔗 Unlocking a Sustainable Future: https://lnkd.in/gmfGKtWK 💬 Engage with us in a discussion on leveraging this historic investment to foster sustainable development, champion Indigenous-led initiatives, and embrace timber's potential to transform the construction industry. #sustainableconstruction #closethegap #indigenouspeoples #indigenous #indigenouscommunities #aboriginal #aboriginalaustralia #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #auspol #australia #inequality #housingaffordability #housingcrisis #australiangovernment #environmentalsustainability #sustainabilitymatters #greenbuilding #woodcentralau1 #woodcentral

The most massive wetland restoration project. The Everglades, US. The Everglades is a unique and expansive ecosystem located in the southern part of Florida. It is one of the most extensive wetlands in the world, with a size of 1.5 million acres. It is slow-moving river, varying in width from 60 to 100 miles and averaging just a few inches in depth, earning it the nickname “River of Grass. Importance: The wetland is renowned for its high biodiversity. It features a variety of habitats, including sawgrass marshes, freshwater sloughs, hardwood hammocks, pine rocklands, and coastal mangroves. It is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist naturally. The ecosystem supports many wildlife, including numerous species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Home to many endemic species, such as the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and a variety of orchids and bromeliads. The Everglades provides critical ecosystem services, including water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration. It is also a vital source of fresh water for South Florida. Degradation: The degradation of the Everglades, primarily due to extensive drainage and development efforts in the 20th century, led to significant ecological losses. Restoration: The restoration of the Everglades became a national focus in the late 20th century, gaining significant momentum in the 1980s. Arthur R. Marshall and Nathaniel Reed were instrumental in advocating for the Everglades during this time. The pivotal moment came with the passing of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) in 2000. Challenges & Methodologies: Restoration involves complex hydrological and ecological management, including creating reservoirs and water treatment areas to manage and purify water before it returns to the Everglades. Efforts include re-routing the Kissimmee River to its original winding course and reducing nutrient pollution in water. Achievements & Impact: So far, projects like the Kissimmee River restoration have seen significant success, revitalizing habitats and improving water quality. The restoration has reduced harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Scale, Budget, and Funding: The restoration efforts cover a substantial portion of the Everglades. The restoration budget was initially estimated at $7.8 billion, reflecting its ambitious scope; subsequent estimates have risen, considering inflation and expanding the project. Funding is a joint effort between federal and state sources. Let us get inspired and keep on restoring the Earth until life thrives back again. #EvergladesRestoration #NatureRestoration #NatureBasedSolutions #Regeneration #EnvironmentalConservation #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture Photo: "Everglades National Park." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed May 11, 2024. [https://lnkd.in/dpaQRpit]

for those with #access to or making #landuse #decisions in City of Toronto, here's how you can #contribute to #growing the #urban #forest #canopy - 'The City is #investing in #tree #planting and #stewardship on #privateland to help #enhance and #expand our #urbanforest, and to #improve the #health of the #environment. With some of the greatest potential on #private land, #everyone’s help is needed to #reach our #40% #canopy #cover #target. These #programs support #partnerships and #collaborations with #homeowners, #landowners and not-for-profit #organizations that #advance the City’s #strategic #priorities to invest in #people and #neighbourhoods, and to tackle #climatechange and #build #resilience.' https://lnkd.in/gVDuNcKx