This month Oliver shares some simple steps you can take to introduce biodiversity into your home and garden
It's easy to discount the positive impact of a thriving natural environment on our health, largely because many of us view ourselves as separate from nature. In fact, we rely heavily on biodiversity - from the food we eat to the air we breathe as well as limiting disease. In industry we refer to this as 'Ecosystem Services', the direct and indirect benefits that contribute to human wellbeing and health. (2)
Biodiversity is currently in crisis; global wildlife populations have declined by 69% since 1970(3) so it's now important that we look to all corners of our lives to take care of our natural ecosystems.
OLIVER HEATH
Is an expert in biophilic and sustainable design, and in this series he will help you to understand how to create a healthy home. Oliver Heath runs Oliver Heath Design, a sustainable architecture and interior design consultancy and practice.
When we imagine supporting biodiversity, it's likely we picture it happening in parks, rivers, forests, and beaches. But there is a growing awareness that it exists everywhere, and we can make small additions to our homes to be supportive.
So, what steps can we take to boost biodiversity in and around our homes?
LOOK AT YOUR LAWN
Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life
