Guidance urban area: bricking over

Index section urban area: bricking over

• Exotic plants in urban habitats
• Birds in built-up areas and elsewhere
• House sparrow and blue tit in towns and cities

Introduction

There is a typical urban flora and fauna: the species that profit from the warmer climate and the presence of food or of suitable and safe breeding sites. Certain bird species such as the house sparrow and blackbird are more common in towns and cities than in the countryside. The species that like bricks and concrete include wall lizard, wall plants and certain exotic plants that grow between the paving stones.

In inner city areas there are fewer derelict and unused areas left. In the centre of Utrecht, for example, at least 78% of the area is under buildings or roads. This is probably why certain bird species, including the house sparrow, are finding it more difficult to survive than before. Other bird species are increasing, however: woodland species such as the blue tit are increasing in the parks and gardens, because the plantings have matured.