英国城市自然保护

URBAN NATURE CONSERVATION IN BRITAIN

( 1 ) The development of urban nature conservation in Britain is reviewed, taking account of recent studies of urban ecosystems and new developments in planning, landscape design and social aspects of conservation.(2) Since 1980, the subject has developed rapidly, with substantial input from ecologists. Urban nature conservation programmes have been implemented by many local authorities within planning and land management. These new approaches are described, with particular reference to London.( 3 ) Nature conservation in urban areas differs from traditional approaches to conservation in several respects. Less emphasis is placed on rare or endangered species or habitats, and considerable weight is given to the values and benefits of urban wildlife to local people.Evaluation criteria therefore include social criteria as well as those of intrinsic biological interest.(4) Habitats of value may include those recently developed on artificial substrates of derelict or disused land, as well as long-established, semi-natural habitats. Enhancement of degraded land and creation of new habitats may be key elements.( 5 ) Ecological approaches to urban landscape design are being used increasingly in new developments. Techniques are now well established for habitat creation but their adoption on a wider scale is prevented by inertia of current practices.