ISBN: 9058084051 9789058084057

Category: Unavailable

Page count: 264

Most pollen- and nectar-producing plants in and around woody vegetation contribute to diversity of flower-visiting insects, especially wild bees. In fact, the occurrence of wild bees can be considered evidence of sound ecological quality. Maintenance of this quality should not depend on caprice or ad hoc decisions. Rather, it must result from resolute action. Landscape designers have an important role to play here. Appropriate choice of planting dimensions, together with well thought out selection of plant species, can result in thriving habitats for wild bees. Design must also be linked to guidelines for maintenance and plans for future development. Designers can make substantial contributions to biodiversity in woodlands and the associated ecological quality of urban ecosystems. Woody vegetation has been shown to attract flower-visiting insects and, moreover, it is highly appreciated by most people. Therefore, fostering biodiversity, as expressed in natural features that are appreciated by the public, can contribute to populations' general well-being. This latter should be the main purpose of the designer. For this, guidelines are provided in this thesis.