Skip to Navigation Skip to Content

Additional Resources

For additional info, please contact Stephan Brenneisen, Dr. phil Geograph, ZHAW – Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Environment and Nature Ressources, Centre of nature management-Urban Greening, Competence Centre Green Roofs, Gr?ntal, Postfach 335, CH – 8820, email: bres@zhaw.ch; or Nathalie Baumann, Dipl. BioGeografin, email: bale@zhaw.ch.

The driver for this research greenroof is improving the Lapwing bird population by increasing biomass and the food base with a biodiversity greenroof. Biodiversity Design: The designers/researchers have put five big amorphous surfaces of roof garden soil on the original substrate – an artificial volcano-mix combined with sedums at three different heights: 2, 4 and 6cm on each surface. Thus creating three different plots with each of the four squares covered with hay mulch also in different heights.

In general, on a number of green roof locations in peri-urban areas in Switzerland, breeding pairs of northern lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) and little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius) are being observed and investigated. The investigation focuses on how breeding takes its course on roofs, whether chicks can successfully fledge, and, if necessary, how changes in the design of flat roofs can improve fledging success rates.The aim of this research plots with hay mulch is to find out about functioning, use and efficiency of light-weight substrate and its innovation as a cheap sustainable and renewable resource. The use of this kind of substrate allows plant succession and createsdifferent microhabitats for a variety of insects. Hence, these roofs provide suitable habitats for endangered ground-nesting birds to breed and successfully raise chicks.

Map:

Our Sponsors