Rewilding construction sites to boost local biodiversity

At a time when the UK is facing a serious decline in wildlife, the construction industry has an opportunity to rethink its relationship with the natural environment. So let’s ask the question - could the land occupied by construction projects become part of the solution to the UK's biodiversity crisis, writes John Ridgeway?

The opportunity is greater than it might first appear. From temporary wildflower meadows and wildlife corridors to the protection of existing habitats, rewilding construction sites could help support local biodiversity while contributing to wider environmental objectives. It is an approach that challenges the traditional view of construction land as having value only when it is developed. Instead, it recognises that even land undergoing significant change can provide opportunities for nature.

With developers facing increasing environmental expectations, biodiversity should no longer be treated as an issue confined to planning applications or the landscaping phase of a project. It deserves consideration throughout the construction process, from the initial site survey to the completion of the development.

The scale of the UK's biodiversity challenge is well documented. According to the State of Nature 2023 report, wildlife populations in the UK have declined by an average of 19% since 1970. The report also found that nearly one in six species assessed in Great Britain is threatened with extinction.

The figures are a stark reminder of the pressure facing the natural environment. Habitat loss, intensive agriculture, climate change, pollution and other human activities have all contributed to the decline. While construction is only one part of this picture, the industry has a responsibility to understand and minimise its impact.

Development inevitably changes land, but the consequences for wildlife are not determined solely by the buildings and infrastructure that are ultimately delivered. Site clearance, temporary access roads, material storage, soil management and landscaping can all influence the ecological value of a development.

This is where rewilding construction sites could make a contribution. By identifying suitable areas for habitat protection and creation, developers and contractors can explore opportunities to support wildlife during construction and, where appropriate, establish habitats that remain after the project is complete.

The objective is not to turn every construction site into a nature reserve. It is to recognise that biodiversity can be part of responsible construction site management rather than an afterthought.

Why brownfield sites can be valuable for wildlife

One of the most surprising opportunities for rewilding can be found on brownfield land. Previously developed sites are often assumed to have little ecological value, particularly where they contain rubble, disturbed ground or sparse vegetation. However, some brownfield sites have become important habitats for wildlife.

Conservation charity Buglife has highlighted the ecological value of these environments, particularly for invertebrates such as bees, beetles, butterflies and spiders. The combination of bare ground, wildflowers, varied surfaces and sheltered areas can create a diverse range of habitats that are increasingly scarce elsewhere.

Buglife's All of a Buzz in the Thames Gateway project mapped 6,900 hectares of brownfield land and assessed 450 sites. It identified 198 sites with high or medium potential for supporting important invertebrate populations. A subsequent assessment found that more than half of these wildlife-rich sites had been destroyed, partially destroyed or were threatened by planning permissions within six years.

The findings demonstrate that brownfield land should not automatically be regarded as ecologically unimportant. In some cases, it can support species and habitats that are difficult to find elsewhere.

This has important implications for developers. Before work begins, ecological surveys can help establish whether a site already supports valuable habitats and identify the measures needed to protect them. Where suitable opportunities exist, rewilding brownfield sites may also help create additional habitats as part of a wider biodiversity strategy.

The priority must always be to understand and protect existing ecological value. Creating a new wildflower area, for example, is no substitute for destroying an established habitat that supports rare or threatened species.

Rewilding does not necessarily require extensive landscaping or expensive ecological installations. Depending on the site's location, size, ecological characteristics and construction programme, relatively modest interventions can create useful habitats.

Native wildflowers are one potential starting point. Carefully selected species can provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Where space permits, areas of wildflowers can be managed through appropriate cutting regimes rather than maintained as conventional ornamental landscaping.

Bare ground can also have ecological value. Some solitary bees and other invertebrates’ nest in exposed, well-drained soil. Retaining suitable areas of bare ground alongside flowering vegetation can create complementary habitats for different species.

Deadwood, log piles and carefully positioned stones can provide shelter and potential habitat for invertebrates, amphibians and other wildlife. Where appropriate, ponds and wetland features can offer further opportunities for biodiversity, although their location must take account of drainage, site safety and the risk of attracting wildlife into areas where it could be harmed.

The important consideration is that habitat creation should respond to local ecological needs. A construction site in an urban area with few green spaces may offer opportunities to establish small but valuable habitats. A development next to an existing woodland, river corridor or nature reserve may have a different role, potentially helping wildlife move between established habitats.

Rewilding is therefore not a standard landscaping specification. It requires an understanding of the site's ecological context and a realistic assessment of what can be achieved.

Making biodiversity part of construction site management

The practical challenge is integrating biodiversity into the construction programme. Contractors must maintain safe access, store materials, operate machinery and meet project deadlines. Any biodiversity measures must work alongside these essential requirements.

The first step is to identify suitable areas before construction begins. An ecologist can assess existing habitats, identify protected species and recommend where wildlife features could be retained or created. This information should be considered alongside the site layout, logistics plan and construction sequence.

Where areas are suitable for temporary habitat creation, they should be clearly identified and protected from unnecessary disturbance. Fencing, signage and communication with site teams can help prevent these areas from becoming informal storage or access zones.

Timing is also important. Vegetation clearance and ground preparation can affect nesting birds and other wildlife. Ecological advice should inform the programme, with appropriate checks and mitigation measures incorporated before work begins.

Site teams also need to understand why these measures are in place. Briefings can help operatives recognise protected areas, understand the importance of habitat features and report any wildlife encountered during construction.

This is where wildlife-friendly construction becomes a practical consideration rather than an abstract environmental ambition. It involves incorporating ecological responsibilities into everyday site operations, ensuring that biodiversity measures are understood and respected by everyone working on the project.

Rewilding and Biodiversity Net Gain

Rewilding construction sites also needs to be considered in the context of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) In England, mandatory BNG generally requires developments within scope to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value compared with the site's pre-development baseline. The requirement was introduced for major developments in February 2024 and for smaller developments in April 2024, although exemptions and transitional arrangements apply.

The statutory biodiversity metric measures habitat value, taking account of factors such as habitat type, area and condition. Developers must also follow the biodiversity gain hierarchy, which prioritises avoiding harm and, where appropriate, enhancing or creating habitats.

Rewilding can complement this approach, but the two are not interchangeable. A temporary wildflower area or log pile does not automatically count towards a development's statutory BNG requirement. Any habitat intended to contribute to the calculation must meet the relevant rules and be properly secured and managed.

The distinction is important. Rewilding may deliver environmental benefits beyond the formal BNG calculation. Temporary habitat creation can provide opportunities for wildlife during construction, improve the appearance of a site and encourage greater awareness of biodiversity among contractors and local communities.

Where a habitat is intended to contribute to BNG, however, developers need to consider its long-term management and legal status from the outset. Significant on-site gains generally need to be secured and managed for at least 30 years.

The rules also need to be checked against the specific development. Changes that came into effect on 6th August 2026 introduced exemptions for certain developments of 0.2 hectares or less and qualifying temporary developments lasting five years or less. These exemptions have conditions, including restrictions where on-site priority habitats would be affected.

Understanding the applicable requirements is essential. Rewilding should be planned around the ecological characteristics of the site and the project's legal obligations, rather than treated as a substitute for either.

However, not every construction site will have the space or duration to support extensive habitat creation. Some projects will also have long programmes, phased construction or areas of land that will remain unused for extended periods.

These circumstances may create opportunities for temporary ecological interventions. An unused corner of a site, for example, could potentially support native wildflowers or other suitable habitat while construction takes place elsewhere.

The important consideration is what happens when the land is needed again. Temporary habitat should be planned with a clear understanding of its lifespan, the species it may attract and the measures required to avoid harming wildlife when construction resumes.

There is also a distinction between temporary habitat creation and permanent ecological improvement. A temporary feature may offer short-term benefits, but it should not be presented as a substitute for protecting existing habitats or delivering lasting biodiversity gains.

Where temporary habitats are introduced, their management should be agreed in advance. This includes deciding who is responsible for maintenance, how wildlife will be protected when the construction programme changes and whether any habitat can be retained as part of the completed development.

Rewilding can benefit local communities too

The value of biodiversity measures is not limited to wildlife. Well-designed green spaces can also improve the experience of people living and working near construction projects.

Visible wildflower areas, retained trees and natural landscaping can help soften the appearance of a development. They may also provide opportunities for community engagement, particularly where projects are taking place in urban areas with limited access to nature.

Developers can explain their environmental initiatives through site information boards, community newsletters or local engagement events. These activities can help people understand the ecological value of the work and the reasons behind particular site management decisions.

There may also be opportunities to involve local schools, community groups or wildlife organisations in suitable projects. Such initiatives need to be planned carefully, with access and safety remaining paramount, but they can help connect development with the communities it serves.

For contractors, these activities can demonstrate that environmental management is more than a compliance exercise. It can become part of how a project contributes to its wider surroundings.

One of the risks of rewilding is assuming that creating a habitat automatically means biodiversity has improved. Planting wildflowers, installing bird boxes or creating a pond may look positive, but the real measure of success is whether the habitat is suitable, establishes successfully and delivers ecological benefits.

Monitoring should therefore be considered from the beginning. Depending on the project, this might include recording the establishment of native plants, monitoring pollinator activity or checking that habitat features remain in suitable condition.

The scale of monitoring should be proportionate to the project and its objectives. A small temporary intervention may need a different approach from a large development delivering long-term habitat creation.

It is also important to recognise that nature takes time to respond. A newly created habitat may not immediately support the species it is intended to attract. Ongoing management, informed by ecological advice, can help address problems and improve the likelihood of success. For developers and contractors, this means setting realistic objectives and avoiding environmental claims that cannot be supported by evidence.

The construction industry has an opportunity to rethink its relationship with the natural environment. Rewilding will not be appropriate for every site and it cannot compensate for the destruction of valuable existing habitats, but where ecological conditions and construction requirements allow, it can provide a practical way to support local biodiversity.

The evidence from the UK's wildlife decline and the ecological importance of some brownfield sites makes the need for action clear. Construction companies can contribute by protecting existing habitats, identifying suitable areas for nature and incorporating ecological management into their site operations.

The most effective approach begins before work starts. Ecologists, designers, developers and contractors need to work together to identify opportunities, understand constraints and establish realistic objectives. When biodiversity is considered early, it becomes easier to integrate habitat protection and creation into the wider construction programme.

Rewilding construction sites is not about making every development look like a nature reserve. It is about recognising that even land undergoing significant change can have a role in supporting wildlife.

With careful planning, construction sites can become more than places where buildings and infrastructure are delivered. They can also contribute to healthier local environments, stronger ecological networks and a more responsible approach to development.

Frequently asked questions about - Rewilding Construction Sites to Boost Local Biodiversity

1. How can construction sites help restore local biodiversity?
Construction sites can support local biodiversity by protecting existing habitats, creating wildflower areas, retaining suitable bare ground and providing shelter for wildlife. With careful planning, these measures can help pollinators, birds and other species thrive, even in areas undergoing development.

2. What wildlife can benefit from rewilding construction sites?
Depending on the location and habitats created, rewilding can benefit bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, amphibians and other wildlife. Native wildflowers, bare ground, ponds and log piles can provide food, nesting opportunities and shelter for different species.

3. Can brownfield construction sites support rare wildlife?
Yes. Some brownfield sites provide valuable habitats for rare and threatened species, particularly invertebrates. Areas of bare ground, rubble and naturally established vegetation can support wildlife that may struggle to survive in intensively managed landscapes. Ecological surveys can identify these habitats before development begins.

4. What is the difference between rewilding and biodiversity net gain?
Rewilding focuses on allowing natural processes to support wildlife and restore habitats. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a planning requirement in England for applicable developments, generally requiring a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value. Rewilding can contribute to BNG where habitats meet the relevant requirements, but the two are not interchangeable.

5. How can contractors create wildlife habitats during construction?
Contractors can establish suitable wildflower areas, protect existing vegetation, retain designated areas of bare ground and create features such as log piles or ponds where appropriate. These measures need to be planned with ecologists and incorporated into site management to avoid conflicts with construction activities.

6. Can temporary construction sites provide lasting benefits for biodiversity?
Temporary habitats can provide valuable opportunities for wildlife during construction, particularly on sites with long programmes or phased development. However, their benefits depend on suitable management and what happens when construction resumes. Where possible, habitats can be incorporated into the completed development to provide longer-term benefits.

7. Does rewilding a construction site help developers meet environmental regulations?
Rewilding can support wider environmental objectives, including Biodiversity Net Gain, but it does not automatically satisfy regulatory requirements. Developers must follow the applicable planning rules, protect existing habitats and ensure that any habitats included in BNG calculations meet the required standards.

8. How can construction companies measure the success of rewilding?
Success can be assessed through ecological monitoring, including surveys of native plant establishment, pollinator activity and habitat condition. The monitoring approach should reflect the site's ecological objectives and the scale of the project. Regular assessment helps identify problems and inform ongoing habitat management.

9. What are the benefits of rewilding construction sites for local communities?
Rewilding can improve the appearance of developments, introduce attractive green spaces and create opportunities for local people to engage with nature. Where appropriate, developers can involve schools and community groups in biodiversity initiatives, helping raise awareness of wildlife conservation and environmental responsibility.

10. How should developers plan a biodiversity strategy for a construction site?
Developers should consider biodiversity at the earliest stages of planning. Ecological surveys can identify existing habitats and protected species, while ecologists, designers and contractors can work together to establish suitable habitat protection and creation measures. These should be integrated into the construction programme, supported by appropriate monitoring and long-term management.