Residential development changes the way eco systems and wildlife function. There is no reason why these two cannot co exist and it’s often interesting to note how wildlife patterns evolve. A development doesn’t have to mean the end of wildlife in a natural environment, it can actually encourage it.
Positive residential development impact
Residential developments are springing up across the country as the need for more affordable and extensive housing grows. Residential developments have also become popular with people who want to live in a more community based setting, where children and older people are safe and can enjoy a sense of unity. There has been large concern over many developments affecting the environment and chasing the local wildlife out of an area due to the densification of people, but in many cases having humans around can actually benefit and encourage the local wildlife.
Areas that are developed often include making the most of natural features such as lakes and rivers and in many cases these water sources have been rehabilitated to add to the aesthetic appeal and attract natural bird and wild life as an added feature. In many residential developments on the outskirts of a city you will often see residents sitting with bird watching binoculars, admiring the vast selection of bird life that can be found in abundance.
Attractions of residential development
In addition to offering great opportunities to use your bird watching binoculars in a residential development that has encouraged the return of local wildlife there are several other great reasons to look at moving into newly built or established housing location.
Family orientated
Close knit community
Higher safety factor
Generally close to amenities
Well maintained
Privacy
All of these factors and more influence peoples choices of where they live and their lifestyle. A residential development is ideally suited to families and individuals of all ages and can be a great place to raise children and grow old.
Environmental impact concerns
Many people are concerned about residential developments in the countryside and surrounds affecting the natural eco system and the local wildlife. Whilst this is a valid concern, developers have heeded the call to respect the natural flora and fauna of areas and in many cases once the development is completed they have actually improved the environment and will ensure that the area is maintained on an ongoing basis.
In certain cases residential developments have worked hard to attract wildlife back to the area that was built in, with features such as:
Bird-feeders and other animal feeding facilities
Bird boxes
Water features
Safe breeding areas
Reintroduction of food for animals of prey
Reintroduction of water fowl and fish and frog spawn
Rehabilitation of wet land or water ways
Cleansing of areas to avoid contamination
Whilst the eco system and wildlife may be affected by a residential development it may be a positive impact rather than a negative. Communities working together to increase wild life will ensure that animals return to their natural habitat despite changes and adapt to the new eco system that has been rehabilitated and recreated especially to accommodate them.
AUTHOR BIO
Idania is a regular contributor to property publications and eco friendly building publications. She uses binoculars and telescopes from suppliers like Sherwoods to survey possible building sites and observe wildlife patterns to ensure the impact on the environment is limited. Idania is also an avid bird watcher in her spare time and uses her Sherwoods equipment in the countryside and on the beach.