Integrating nature into the urban environment

The benefits to physical and mental health obtained from relating with nature are well documented and yet large proportions of urbanised populations are unable to access green spaces in their daily lives.

For the first time in history, more than half the world’s population lives in cities. 87% of Australians live in cities. Globally, cities occupy 2% of the world’s land mass and consume 75% of the world’s resources. Currently, we in Drouin are fully aware of the effects of urban expansion.

Not much room to plant a native!

Just by occupying land, urbanisation can have a detrimental effect on biodiversity. New developments often require dramatic modification of the natural environment. As we move into these developments, bringing our cars, pets and exotic plants, we are negatively impacting on biodiversity. 

Corymbia ficifolia – Not just a symbol of our town, perhaps the last chance for some nectarivores.

Many researchers now believe that by concentrating human populations into urban areas there is an opportunity to preserve biodiversity. People in urban communities often prefer to live in green and leafy areas. Many native wildlife species are adapting to urban environments. The recent catastrophic fire events in Queensland and New South Wales have resulted in vast losses of habitat. The urban environment might be the last chance of survival for some species.

Southern Brown Bandicoot – just clinging on in West Gippsland, in a few remaining patches of roadside habitat.

Biodiversity is our own life support system. It provides us with food, clean air and water and it keeps us healthy.

Golden-headed Cisticola - missing from Gum Scrub Creek wetlands in the October bird surveys. Nearby development?

Integrating nature into an urban environment has so many benefits and surely it isn’t difficult to increase tree canopy, preserve remnant vegetation, protect wetlands, add understorey, encourage native gardens, etc, it simply requires some wise and careful planning.