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, the 2023 State of Nature report shows UK species abundance declining by 19% on average since records began in 1970, and nearly 1 in 6 of the 10,000-plus species surveyed risk being lost. But while countless important natural habitats are in poor condition, work to protect landscapes has clear benefits for nature, people and climate.

Development and the increased modernisation of our lives have caused an alarming decrease in biodiversity worldwide, 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

Want to learn more?

Key biodiversity and nature related resources

The School has worked with the Nature Group and its Partners to select a range of training resources that encompass core themes across the biodiversity and nature related topic.

These are also divided into varying competency levels for learners who are new to the school or for those who wish to refresh their knowledge in this important area.

Explore more themes

1. Site practice

Choose your desired competency from the drop down list below

Check out beginner level resources below related to the theme of nature and site practice.

Biodiversity and Ecology

Case Study: Working with Protected Trees

Case Study

How air-vac excavation preserved protected tree roots on site.

Beginner

5 minutes

Sustainability

Biodiversity and Ecology Training

Search our catalogue of FREE Biodiversity resources

Enhancing biodiversity on site

Case Study: Working with Protected Trees

Biodiversity – Sustainability Short

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

Wildlife Assessment Check

Introduction to Biodiversity

Hedgehog ecology and land management

Protected species and development: advice for local planning authorities

Nutrient Neutrality Principles

Introduction to Biodiversity – Julia Baker

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

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

Why is biodiversity important – with Sir David Attenborough

What is Biodiversity?

What is Natural Capital?

Introduction to GM Crops from the Royal Society

Environment Agency – River Restoration Weir Removal

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

Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006

Species surveys, mitigation and re-introductions

What is biodiversity offsetting?

UKGBC Biodiversity Net Gain Infographic

Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain

An Introduction to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and TNFD with Mott MacDonald: Webinar Recording

Biodiversity Enhancement Policies Across the UK: Similarities and Differences in England, Scotland and Wales with Mott MacDonald – Webinar Recording

Biodiversity Net Gain: Beyond Legal Compliance – Virtual Conference Recording

Biodiversity Net Gain in England: A Guide

Biodiversity Net Gain – Good practice principles for development (Case Studies)

Biodiversity Net Gain – Good practice principles for development (Guide)

Statutory Biodiversity Metric

Biodiversity Net Gain: A Roadmap for Action

Getting started with the TNFD

Soil Association: GM Crops