Small Scale Greening Has Its Benefits

An Ecological Solutions and Evidence paper illustrates how creating a small 'island' of greenery in a highly-urbanised area, quickly augments the number of insect species (https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2688-8319.12259). The study was carried out in Melbourne (Australia) on a 195 square metre plot. The plot in a densely-urbanised area, adjacent to a motorway. It was completely surrounded by streets and relatively high buildings. Detailed insect surveys were carried out for a year, before making changes to the site's vegetation. The changes initially involved weeding, adding new topsoil and fertiliser. Twelve indigenous plant species were introduced, before continuing the insect surveys for a further 3 years. Weeding continued throughout the study. Only 9 of the introduced plant species survived in the location for the entire period. There was, however, a more than 7-fold increase in insect species (mainly, ants, bees, beetles and wasps) numbers. By the end of the study, 94 insect species had been recorded, 91 of which were indigenous to Australia. The insect species included herbivores, predators and parasites. Even small urban areas can be modified to boost local biodiversity.