Mabley Green Meadow. Pic: Chris King

A five year biodiversity plan which is aimed at helping to improve air quality and reduce the risk of flooding in the area has been unveiled by Hackney Council.

Under the council’s Biodiversity Action Plan, a wildflower meadow will be created, and developers of new buildings will be able to install living roofs, and nest boxes for swifts.

The project will also focus on improving school grounds, social housing estates and parks.

The council hopes the project to improve the local area and conserve wildlife will provide opportunities for locals to experience nature within an urban setting.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: “The council plans to work hard over the next few years to conserve and enhance Hackney wildlife.”

He added: “Improving biodiversity and protecting the range of plants and animals we have in Hackney is a priority for the Council.”

Last year the council carried out a 12-week consultation of the wildlife in the area that helped to inform the new plans.

The consultation showed that Hackney has 97 hectares of natural habitat such as woodland, meadow and rivers, the equivalent of 160 football pitches. They are home to a variety of species of plants and animals, including bats, house sparrows, and Britain’s rarest native tree, the Black Poplar.

With around 42% of the borough’s land area allocated to green spaces and gardens, the council are urging Hackney residents to become involved in the biodiversity project by helping to record wildlife in the area.

For more information of how you can get involved, http://www.hackney.gov.uk/biodiversity.htm