PTE Academic

Cities are often described as places where nature has been pushed out, yet urban ecologists increasingly argue that this picture is incomplete. Parks, railway embankments, gardens and even derelict plots can host surprising numbers of species. In London, for example, peregrine falcons now nest on tall buildings, which resemble the cliffs where they traditionally breed, and foxes have adapted to life among the streets. Some plants flourish in the cracks of pavements because they tolerate dry, compacted soil. This does not mean that cities can replace wild habitats; the species that thrive in them are generally those able to cope with disturbance, while sensitive ones decline. Still, planners who treat green spaces as an afterthought miss an opportunity, since well-designed networks of habitat can support wildlife and improve residents' wellbeing at the same time.

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