From Gerald Legg
Brownfield sites – disused industrial land – are all too often viewed as ecological deserts. Fred Pearce brings home the truth that they can be amazingly biodiverse (13 July, p 16).
Such areas are similar to “naturally” barren sites, such as rock falls and volcanic debris fields, in that they represent a clean slate for colonisation by wildlife. Yet some people regard brownfield sites as inferior, simply because they are the product of human activity. As a result, politicians, planners and developers may not fully assess their biological value.
By contrast, if an area of chalk grassland were slated for development, thorough wildlife surveys would be carried out and opponents would mount a strong case against the proposal.
Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, UK
