Peter Dowdall: Let's focus on biodiversity in our built landscape 

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

A sustainable city centre rooftop in Arnhelm in the Netherlands. Ingrid Swan, Clúid’s in-house landscape designer who wrote the guide with Clúid's national sustainability manager, Susan Vickers, says: "There are opportunities to enhance and protect biodiversity in new developments." File picture: iStock

Ireland is facing devastating losses of wildlife and natural habitats. There has been a massive decline in insect populations recorded since the 1990s. 

Stark findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that 85% of protected habitats in Ireland are in poor or inadequate condition, and approximately 50% are declining.