The park, due to be fully unveiled in October 2027, will transform the former hospital site into a vibrant public space designed to benefit patients, nature and the wider Liverpool community. Delivered by BAM UK & Ireland in partnership with the Eden Project and NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, this week’s event also included important updates from project leads and a tour of the former hospital site, with illustrations of the park’s future landscape. Once complete, the park will provide green space for patients, NHS staff, visitors and local residents, while also acting as a nature-rich landscape for local wildlife. Its features will include native wildflower meadows, trees, wildlife corridors, sustainable drainage and spaces designed to support relaxation, social interaction and recovery. Kim Sides, Executive Director of Construction at BAM UK & Ireland, comments: “This week marks an important milestone not only for this project, but for the way we think about the role construction and infrastructure can play in creating lasting value for communities. “This park demonstrates our ambition to go beyond delivering physical assets and instead help create places that improve people’s lives, support biodiversity and leave a positive long-term legacy. “The Royal Liverpool project shows what can be achieved when organisations with shared ambitions come together. Through collaboration between BAM, the Eden Project, NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and a talented design team – including BCAL, Ellis Williams Architects, Sutcliffe and Horea Lea – we are creating a space that will benefit patients, staff, visitors and the wider Liverpool community for generations to come.” A key feature of the project is BAM’s commitment to ensuring biodiversity benefits begin before construction is complete. Earlier this year, BAM installed a 33-metre vertical meadow around the site boundary, replacing traditional construction hoarding with native wildflowers and grasses designed to provide habitat and food sources for pollinators and other wildlife. Zebrina Hanly, Environmental Sustainability Director at BAM UK & Ireland, says: “Too often, biodiversity is something that arrives at the end of a project. Here, we are showing that environmental benefits can begin from day one. “The vertical meadow already provides habitat for insects and pollinators while the wider park is under construction. It sends a powerful message that development and nature recovery do not have to be competing priorities. “When complete, the park will include native planting, wildlife habitats, sustainable drainage features and green corridors designed to support biodiversity throughout the year. Just as importantly, it will create opportunities for people to connect with nature in the heart of the city. “This is exactly the kind of integrated approach we need if we are serious about delivering healthier places for both people and the environment.” The project is the first to be delivered through BAM UK & Ireland’s exclusive collaboration with the Eden Project, which was established to put nature recovery and biodiversity at the heart of the built environment. Dan James, Development Director at the Eden Project, states: “Nature isn’t a luxury or something to add at the end of a project – it is part of the infrastructure that supports our health and wellbeing. “At Royal Liverpool University Hospital, we wanted to demonstrate what that means in practice, which is why we’ve designed nature-rich spaces where patients can recover, families can find moments of calm, children can explore and play, and staff can step outside and decompress during a busy day. “Healthy people need healthy places, and healthy places need healthy nature.” Jenny Hannon, Group Chief Development Officer at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, comments: “The former Royal hospital site presents a unique opportunity to create a significant new green space in the heart of Liverpool. Access to high-quality green space can often be limited in city-centre environments, and this project will transform the former hospital grounds into a welcoming park for patients, visitors, staff and local communities. Working with BAM UK & Ireland and the Eden Project, we are bringing forward a nature-rich scheme that will create new habitats for wildlife, support biodiversity and play an important role in the continued development of the Royal campus.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

BAM UK & Ireland and the Eden Project have launched a pioneering collaboration to place nature recovery at the heart of the built environment. In a first for both organisations, the new partnership aims to spark industry-wide change across the construction industry. The collaboration aims to inspire bold action, shift mindsets, and lead the industry towards a nature-inclusive future by challenging barriers to implementation and further embedding nature into every stage of BAM UK & Ireland’s projects.  Together, BAM UK & Ireland and Eden Project want to reimagine the built environment as a space where nature isn’t sacrificed but celebrated, with a purpose-driven three-year collaboration focusing on tangible action across three key pillars: Initially, BAM UK & Ireland’s focus will be on projects where it can maximise health, wellbeing, and biodiversity outcomes – for both its clients and its people. This includes health and education projects, as well as BAM UK & Ireland’s own estate. The aim is to integrate nature by design through healing gardens and green spaces that support patient recovery, create outdoor learning environments, and establish biodiverse spaces for children and communities. BAM UK & Ireland also plans to enhance some of its offices, depots, and sites with nature-rich breakout spaces that improve the daily work experience for colleagues. John Wilkinson, COO of BAM UK & Ireland, said: “Since the early 1970s, animal populations have declined by 73%* and our industry has played a role in that devastation – but we now stand at the edge of a precipice.  We can either accept that human activity has caused this destruction and work together to address it, or we can ignore it and watch as nature loss inevitably results in damage to human civilisation.  We’ve chosen to take a stand, and to do it alongside the Eden Project, to inspire and embed change across the built environment.” YouGov research* conducted for BAM UK & Ireland in 2024 highlights that 84% of large UK businesses say nature recovery​ is important, however, to date limited action has been taken with only one third of businesses having a biodiversity plan. Investment in resources and increased staff awareness and participation both top the list as the biggest challenges preventing businesses from turning intent into action on biodiversity. Andy Jasper, CEO of Eden Project, commented: “Nature is not a luxury – it’s the foundation of our wellbeing, our communities, and our future. We are excited to be collaborating with BAM UK & Ireland, we have the opportunity to reimagine construction as a driver of ecological recovery and to prove that every space we build can also be a space for life.”  BAM UK & Ireland has already made major strides as part of its Biodiversity+ strategy, supporting the global Nature Positive agenda – aiming to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve full recovery by 2050. 95% of BAM UK & Ireland’s construction projects now include wildlife structures, while 63% of BAM UK & Ireland’s infrastructure projects apply Biodiversity Net Gain principles often exceeding legal requirements, with landmark projects like the Cross Tay Link Road Green Bridge and the Thames Tideway Bug Hotel demonstrating BAM UK & Ireland’s commitment towards nature-positive design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Meadfleet Ltd, a leader in open space management, is proud to announce the launch of its Buzz and Flutter Campaign, as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Building on the success of their award-winning Bee Friendly Campaign, this new initiative expands Meadfleet’s commitment to biodiversity by supporting not only bees but also butterflies and birds. As the company celebrates three decades of green space management, the campaign focuses on providing additional habitats and food sources to help reverse a decline in wildlife numbers. David King, Managing Director of Meadfleet Ltd, said: “To help us celebrate 30 years of open space management, we’re launching the Buzz and Flutter Campaign to support bees, butterflies, and birds. Our goal is to boost populations across the open spaces we manage, creating vibrant, nature-rich areas for wildlife and local communities.” The decline in wildlife numbers is largely due to a loss of habitats. As a leader in open space management, with over 350 developments in its management, Meadfleet Ltd is uniquely positioned to address this challenge by enhancing spaces where these species can thrive. Bees, butterflies, and birds play a vital role in the ecosystem—bees and butterflies are key pollinators essential to our food supply, while birds contribute to biodiversity through pest control, seed dispersal, and pollination. Beyond their ecological importance, living in nature-rich environments has been shown to significantly improve mental health and overall well-being for residents. The campaign reflects Meadfleet’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and delivering a legacy of biodiverse open spaces that support the wellbeing of its customers. The management company will cover all costs of the initiative helping to ensure a brighter future for wildlife and communities.  Key targets include: As part of the Buzz and Flutter Campaign, Meadfleet Ltd is supporting three leading wildlife charities: Butterfly Conservation, Buglife, and Actions for Swifts. These organisations are at the forefront of protecting and nurturing wildlife. David King concluded, “Together, we can make a meaningful difference. We encourage everyone to learn more about the work of these charities and contribute to wildlife protection.” For more information about the Buzz and Flutter Campaign, please visit https://www.meadfleet.co.uk/buzzandflutter/ https://butterfly-conservation.org/     https://www.actionforswifts.com/     https://www.buglife.org.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules could be key to unlocking crucial NIMBY support for housebuilding as the Government pushes to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, according to new polling from biodiversity tech start-up Joe’s Blooms. A 14,000-person survey finds three-quarters (75%) of Brits believe that all new housing developments – large or small – should improve the natural environment by creating green spaces or habitat banks nearby. Support for nature-friendly development is even stronger among Brits that oppose the Government’s target of building 1.5 million new homes over the next Parliament, with 84% of NIMBYs agreeing that all new developments should positively contribute to nature recovery. This data comes as BNG marks its one-year anniversary for smaller developments (April 2).  When asked where nature improvements should be made as a result of new developments, over a third (36%) of Brits say green space should be created locally over being created in other parts of the country. This figure rises to 38% among those opposed to the Government’s housing target and reaches 40% among those against new homes being built near them. Support peaks at 43% among affluent rural residents, often known as the most organised NIMBY group. Environmental concerns are a leading reason for opposition to development: nearly half (49%) of NIMBYs cite loss of green space or environmental damage as key factors in resisting local housebuilding. These concerns rank second only to worries about increased pressure on local services (57%) and traffic congestion (54%). The findings suggest that integrating local nature recovery into development plans could help address anti-development concerns and win over NIMBYs. BNG offers a clear solution by requiring developers to deliver at least a 10% biodiversity improvement in their project areas as part of planning permission. Oliver Lewis, CEO of Joe’s Blooms, said: “The data is clear: BNG isn’t just beneficial for nature – it’s essential for gaining public support for new housing developments. Nearly half of NIMBYs cite environmental concerns as a major reason for resistance. At the same time, support for nature recovery is growing among those most opposed to housebuilding.” “To achieve its ambitious housebuilding revolution, the Government must place BNG at the heart of its strategy. Following recent planning reform announcements, a clear roadmap is needed to show how BNG integrates into the planning framework — ensuring momentum isn’t lost. By embedding nature recovery into housing policy, development can drive biodiversity gains, win local backing, and deliver benefits for both people and the planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

New Report From Leading Ecology Firm Challenges Government’s Proposals A new report by leading UK ecology consultancy, Arbtech, reveals that the Government’s plans, announced in Tuesday’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, for a new tax on development that includes a single payment into a Nature Restoration Fund could put UK cities at risk of losing green space and nature. The levy could result in catastrophic consequences for urban and low income communities across the country, including a real impact on the mental and physical health of those living in disadvantaged areas, intensifying inequalities further. Arbtech’s report – ‘Growthwashing: Why a Nature Restoration Fund could be the worst thing to happen in ESG….Ever’ –  has been produced in response to the Planning Reform Working Paper ‘Development and Nature Recovery’ which sparked intense debate among environmental advocates and the many housing delivery stakeholders. Central to the Government’s proposal, which was confirmed in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, is for developers to make a single payment into a nature restoration fund in lieu of all surveys and mitigation for biodiversity on a development site. This streamlined approach is presented as a practical solution for balancing development needs with environmental conservation, but according to Arbtech, it introduces a series of harmful consequences. Robert Oates, CEO of Arbtech, explains; “When developments replace local green spaces, they remove the possibility for low-income communities already under-served by access to nature to enjoy its immediate and tangible benefits. A single, one-time payment into an abstract mechanism to streamline the planning process does not compensate for the immediate and very real biodiversity loss. Nor does it guarantee that conservation or restoration projects will unfold in or near the communities impacted by the development activity. “Over a decade or two, this “growthwashing” approach could lead to the creation of a few large nature reserves somewhere else in the authority, county or even country, and yet that does nothing to protect or reinstate local ecosystems in the very areas where the biodiversity was lost. Consequently, generations of children will grow up in areas with progressively less exposure to nature, devoid of the small patches of woodland, wetlands, or community gardens that would otherwise foster a connection to the environment and that has been evidenced in a very robust way as helping them develop healthier and happier lives.” The report states that affluent, rural or suburban areas often have established legal or policy protections, such as green belt, that shield them from the most aggressive development pressures. In contrast, urban areas and lower income neighbourhoods are not as well safeguarded by similar regulations. Arbtech’s report references several studies which highlight the repercussions on the mental and physical health of those living in disadvantaged communities that have less contact with nature including the Office for National Statistics report titled ‘A million fewer people are gaining health benefits from nature since 2020’, which underscores how critical and yet fragile the relationship between human health and nature has become. The NHS Forest’s ‘Green Space for Health 2021-22 Evaluation Report’ also highlights how even modest amounts of green surroundings can promote physical activity and foster mental relaxation. Research from ‘The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review’ has also been drawn upon to demonstrate that biodiversity loss and environmental degradation can have profound impacts on human wellbeing, asserting that these impacts are not linear. Lower-income families already face higher rates of poor health, reduced access to quality healthcare, and greater exposure to pollution. If their communities lose more natural spaces, these existing and very real inequalities will intensify. Oates continues; “The working paper’s proposals will impact biodiversity and communities in ways that completely ignore well-established findings across an enormous variety of research domains, including healthcare, sustainability, and economics. Time and time again, all of these disciplines consistently emphasise the same message: proximity to and quality of green space are critical factors in delivering a continuous stream of benefits in health, social equity,biodiversity, and a resilient and stable economy. “A payment scheme that fails to preserve local biodiversity and instead places faith in distant restoration effort risks undermining the ESG-literacy of young people. If families cannot afford in both money and time to travel far beyond their local area, regularly, the absence of local nature experiences leads to a diminished sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment.” Another critical issue covered in Arbtech’s report is the allocation of capital captured by the nature restoration fund, into which developers would make their payments. Concerns are raised on the governance, transparency, and accountability of the way the fund is invested and spent if it does not have appropriate oversight (e.g. from the Office for Environmental Protection) and transparent procurement processes that allow small businesses to benefit. Oates concludes;“The new tax on development that comprises a single payment into a nature restoration fund, as outlined in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, is deeply flawed. Transforming nature recovery into a transactional, box-ticking exercise with zero accountability for local displacement of habitats and biodiversity means both nature and our communities become collateral damage in the relentless pursuit of “growth”. “If these policies are enacted through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, then it’s a huge gamble on the outcome of an enormously complex system.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The construction sector has become a rising player in global efforts to become “Nature Positive” according to UK-based biodiversity consultancy, Biodiversify. Recent reports show that the built environment sector is responsible for up to 30 percent of global biodiversity loss. However, some leading construction businesses have made significant progress in mitigating the impact of their operations on nature. For example, building material company Holcim became one of three companies globally to publicly adopt the science-based targets for nature in October 2024, showcasing that ambitious and credible action for nature is achievable within the building materials sector. BAM, a signatory of the Nature Positive Business Pledge and an early member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, has also made significant strides in integrating biodiversity considerations across its entire supply chain. Biodiversify reported a marked increase in construction companies seeking expert advice to embed Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) into their projects, particularly during the development of offices, depots, and manufacturing facilities. The boutique consultancy has praised the industry for starting to scrutinise its supply chain, tracing the origins of raw materials such as aggregates and timber, and leveraging certification standards to make informed sourcing decisions that support biodiversity. This emerging focus is aided by the recent work of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) and Supply Chain Sustainability School to promote the business imperatives of sustainable procurement. Biodiversify is currently undertaking groundbreaking work with the UKGBC to address the embodied ecological impacts that are caused by the resource extraction and manufacturing process, such as the production and transportation of raw materials and the disposal of unused materials. This work builds on the insightful 2023 report published by Expedition Engineering on ‘The Embodied Biodiversity Impacts of Construction Materials’. Voluntary frameworks, such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN), have also played a pivotal role in encouraging the construction sector to assess its relationship with nature, aided by legislative drivers including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Daniel Oldham, Principal Consultant at Biodiversify, said: “The construction sector has made impressive progress in addressing its impact on nature, demonstrating its capacity for meaningful change. “Voluntary nature frameworks have played a key role in helping the industry adopt robust methodologies for assessing impacts and dependencies on nature, enabling more informed and effective strategies. Many organisations are now wanting to align with science-based targets for nature, inspired by early adopters.” “Legislation like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are providing a strong foundation. However, the construction industry can make an even greater impact by fully embracing science-based frameworks and integrating biodiversity considerations across its entire value chain.” Biodiversify predicts that the momentum within the construction sector will continue to grow in 2025, spurred by legislative requirements and an expanding awareness of biodiversity’s critical role in business resilience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is becoming a cornerstone in the building design and construction industry. As sustainability takes precedence, developers are increasingly focusing on how even small-scale projects can significantly contribute to biodiversity. Understanding and leveraging small site metrics is vital for achieving effective BNG compliance. The concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has emerged as an essential framework in promoting sustainable development within the construction sector. This approach ensures that new developments leave biodiversity in a better state than before. As the focus on environmental sustainability heightens, industry professionals must navigate the complexities of BNG compliance, particularly when dealing with small site metrics. These metrics present unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a keen understanding of their role in enhancing biodiversity on smaller scales. The integration of a BNG calculator in project planning facilitates accurate assessment and implementation of these metrics, ensuring compliance and ecological enhancement. Comprehending small site metrics Small site metrics play a pivotal role in the context of BNG, serving as benchmarks to gauge the ecological value of a project. They ensure that even minor developments contribute positively to local ecosystems. By measuring elements such as habitat quality and connectivity, these metrics help project planners make informed decisions that align with BNG goals. The integration of a BNG calculator in project planning facilitates accurate assessment and implementation of these metrics, ensuring compliance and ecological enhancement. These metrics are crucial because they hold all projects accountable, regardless of size, to maintain or improve the ecological balance. In this way, developers can contribute to broader biodiversity objectives by recognising the cumulative impact of small-scale developments. Maintaining stringent small-site metrics can lead to significant long-term benefits for local wildlife and plant life. When implementing small site metrics, it’s essential to consider both quantitative and qualitative aspects of biodiversity assessment. This includes evaluating factors such as species richness, habitat distinctiveness and ecological connectivity. Understanding these components helps developers create more targeted and effective biodiversity enhancement strategies. The metric system typically assigns numerical values to different habitat types, considering their condition and strategic significance within the local ecological network. The role of BNG calculators BNG calculators are indispensable tools for developers aiming to achieve BNG compliance effectively. These digital solutions provide detailed assessments and projections that guide planners through the intricate process of metric evaluation and improvement plans. With these calculators, you can create comprehensive biodiversity metric sheets that map out necessary steps for enhancing local habitats while meeting legal requirements. The ease of using digital tools like BNG calculators cannot be overstated. They simplify complex calculations and offer real-time data analysis, enabling efficient resource allocation and strategic planning. These tools have revolutionised project management by providing clear pathways to achieving net gain outcomes. Challenges in implementing small site metrics Despite their importance, implementing small site metrics poses several challenges. Limited space and resources often constrain how much can be done within a given project area. Additionally, there may be gaps in knowledge or expertise among project teams regarding best practices for incorporating these metrics into design plans. One strategy to overcome these challenges involves leveraging digital tools alongside expert guidance. Engaging with ecologists or environmental consultants can provide valuable insights into optimising space usage for biodiversity benefits. Moreover, integrating innovative technologies into your workflow can streamline processes and enhance accuracy in metric calculations. Examples of small site metrics in use Several compelling examples showcase the effective application of small site metrics to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in construction projects. For instance, residential development in a compact urban area can utilise these metrics to integrate living walls, bird boxes and pollinator-friendly plants, resulting in measurable increases in local biodiversity. Similarly, a small-scale commercial site in a suburban setting can apply small site metrics to enhance on-site green infrastructure, including the creation of a native wildflower meadow and rain gardens to support wildlife and improve water management.  Another example is the redevelopment of a brownfield site where metrics guide the installation of green roofs and restoration of nearby hedgerows, creating ecological corridors that benefit both flora and fauna. These examples demonstrate that even on constrained plots, small site metrics can enable tailored, impactful actions that contribute to broader biodiversity goals while meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing community value.