The habitat of the Built Environment.
From "What should the SLP do for climate and nature?"
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The Built Environment is a habitat in its own right. There are various species who are building dependent or can adapt to a built environment. Therefore the word ‘habitat’ should be included in the list under this heading or the built environment included under the heading Natural Environment.
It is well document that closeness to nature is good for well-being and so all new development (houses, public buildings, industrial buildings, home extensions etc.) should provide nesting cavities for building dependent species. Universal bricks, based on the design of a swift brick, are used by 4 red listed species (swift, house sparrow, starling and house martin), as well as much-loved blue tits and great tits and overwintering birds and insects. They are an invaluable boost to biodiversity in a built environment.
BS 42021: 2022 provides full detail and should be referenced in the Local Plan (https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/integral-nest-boxes-selection-and-installation-for-new-developments-specification-1?version=standard). BS42021 has been endorsed by the NHBC in NF89 Biodiversity in new housing developments https://www.nhbc.co.uk/binaries/content/assets/nhbc/foundation/biodiversity-in-new-housing-developments.pdf page 42. “Fitting at a ratio of 1 nest brick per house across the development will ensure sufficient nest sites for colonial species. 3-5 can be located in one house, so helping locate them in suitable locations for access to foraging habitat. The British Standard BS42021 sets out details on nest box installation for the above species into domestic and commercial properties.”