ZinCo Extensive Green Roof BIODIVERSITY ROOF

New habitats for flora and fauna with the biodiversity roof

nature has been destroyed by construction work and the ground has been sealed, green roofs can partially compensate for lost green spaces and create replacement habitats for flora and fauna. Above all, natural, low-maintenance extensive greening is an important retreat for animal and plant species. Wild bees, butterflies and ground beetles find food and shelter here. However, the development of biodiversity depends very much on the structure of the habitats offered to the plants and animals on the roof.

Design measures to promote the biotope function

Variations in the substrate surface/height expand the range of species in the planting and thus ensure different habitats. While 6 cm substrate height is sufficient for low-growing Sedum species, species-rich herb and grass vegetation requires mounds of up to 12 cm.

Vegetation-free areas (sand lenses and coarse gravel beds) are important habitat enrichments and are used by insects and other roof dwellers as hiding places, breeding and sunbathing places.

Temporary water areas improve the water supply for insects and birds. In order to retain rainwater in individual parts of the roof surface, foils are incorporated and covered with sand.

A targeted selection of plants that are important as food plants for insects and birds. Since the habitat on the roof is similar to the site conditions of natural dry grassland vegetation, species from this flora community are also taken into account.

The installation of insect nesting aids (e.g. for wild bees and ichneumon wasps as well as bumblebee nesting boxes and ant stones) is used for permanent insect settlement on the roof.

Dead branches and trunks represent a particularly valuable structural element. Deadwood is used as a habitat by mosses, lichens, fungi, beetles, ants and solitary wild bees or wasps, among others. In addition, birds can use the piles of deadwood as perches, song wardens and food biotopes.