Why is protecting and enhancing ecology important?

In simple terms, ecology refers to the relationship and interactions between organisms and their environment. If an ecosystem is healthy then those interactions are in balance which means plants and animals can thrive. When ecosystems are thriving and full of diverse species then they can deliver positive benefits for humans like cleaner air and water, providing welcoming spaces for recreation and relaxation, and helping to prevent local flooding.

From a local to global level, our ecosystems are threatened by climate change, overextraction and excessive resource use so we all need to help improve these ecosystems wherever possible. Construction in particular can have negative impacts during and after a building is completed if careful measures are not taken to protect the wildlife and habitats within and surrounding the site.

Without healthy local ecosystems we will lose some of our best loved species within a generation; including the hedgehog, turtle dove, red squirrel and adders.

Enhancing habitat areas is one of the sustainability measures we undertake to achieve the BREEAM Excellence standard. This also helps us to meet our duties as a public body under the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 by protecting and enhancing biodiversity and healthy functioning ecosystems.

Therefore, for all these reasons it is important to protect and enhance ecology as much as possible within our sites.

How do we help ecology on our sites?

Surveys

Citizen science projects are crucial to understanding the health of an ecosystem and the environment as a whole. They give us insight into which species are doing well, which could be endangered, and move us toward taking action to protect wildlife and the habitats important to their survival.

Pupils are our future guardians of this earth, by involving them in citizen science we can educate them to become the best guardians of their schools, wider communities and as a result our planet.

The Sustainable Communities for Learning team and construction contractors are also helping the environment through delivering energy efficient buildings, integrating low-carbon materials, and creating options for active travel to our school sites.

The team are also enhancing ecology in the wider Vale through supporting community gardens. Find out more by visiting our community benefits webpage.

For further information on how you can help support ecosystems near you, visit Wildlife Trusts Wales for lots of ideas:

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (welshwildlife.org)