State of Nature report - RSPB

URBAN
Derelict, disused and unloved, many brownfield
sites are viewed as ripe for development, but these
abandoned areas often provide a much-needed refuge
for important wildlife. Great crested newts, slow worms,
common lizards and black redstarts all make their home in
the mosaic of different habitats found there.
Around 15% of nationally rare and scarce invertebrates have
been found on brownfield sites, including 50% of rare solitary
bees and wasps, and 35% of rare carabid beetles 15 , and some
are found nowhere else in the UK 16 . Brownfield sites can also
support a range of important flowering plants, mosses and
lichens – often including species that are declining in the
wider countryside, such as the exquisite bee orchid.
Studies in the Midlands suggest that the best brownfield
sites even match ancient woodlands in terms of the number
of species, especially rare ones, found there 17,18,19 .
The value of brownfield sites
Brownfield sites tend to have nutrient-poor soil, which
prevents dominating plant species from taking hold.
As a result, nectar-rich flowers flourish, providing hoverflies,
bees and butterflies with nectar and pollen. Patches of
open ground heat up in the sun, providing perfect basking
conditions for reptiles, while burrowing and ground-nesting
invertebrates make the most of the bare soil. The diverse
mosaic of different habitats, all found within a relatively
small area of brownfield land, are essential for many
invertebrates as they have different habitat requirements
at different life stages.
Case study:
A powerhouse for nature
Case study:
Back from the brink
Small ranunculus moth
Brownfield habitat has been extremely important for the
spread of some formerly rare species, such as the small
ranunculus moth. This species had disappeared from Britain
by the early 20th century, but has now recolonised an area
of North Kent and spread as far north as Yorkshire.
As the countryside becomes steadily more degraded for
wildlife, due to agricultural improvement and development,
brownfield sites are becoming increasingly important. They
provide refuges for wildlife, and link areas of more traditional
habitat. However, although individual brownfield sites can
support an incredible diversity of plants and animals, key
populations at small, isolated sites can be vulnerable to
extinction – that’s why the overall network of brownfield
areas, which allow wildlife to move around the landscape, is
so important.
Saving brownfield nature
Although greenfield land can be less valuable for wildlife,
it is often passed over for development in favour of
brownfield sites. Since 2008, around 50% of high wildlife
value brownfield land in the Thames Gateway has been lost 20 .
Neil Bowman (FLPA)
Will George (RSPB)
Brown-banded carder bee
Brownfields lack statutory protection; there are only
two SSSIs designated for their brownfield invertebrates
in the UK. Although organisations such as Buglife and the
Wildlife Trusts have carried out research and campaigned
to protect biodiversity-rich brownfield sites, we still have a
long way to go.
An old power station might not be the first thing that springs
to mind when you think of places to see rare wildlife, but it
has been suggested that West Thurrock Marsh in Essex is
one of the most important sites for biodiversity in the UK,
with over 1,400 species recorded so far, including many rare
species 17,18,19 . Unfortunately, its many invertebrates, such as
the brown-banded carder bee and distinguished jumping spider,
are threatened by the partial development of the site.
The best brownfield sites match ancient
woodlands in terms of the number of species,
especially rare ones, that are found there.
STATE OF NATURE 2013 59