'Living roofs' to help endangered species

Roof-top nature reserves are to be set up on some of London's biggest buildings in a bid to save endangered species.

The Living Roofs for Wildlife project will create seven "living roofs" for rare insects and birds.

Buildings to be used include the Transport for London headquarters in St James's Park, Ford Motor Company at Dagenham, the University of East London in Stratford and Lewisham Town Hall.

Each roof will include wildflower meadows, sandy areas and shingle to recreate the habitats used by threatened species. Experts say they could be vital for endangered animals such as the Brown-banded carder bee and the Black redstart.

Professor Germaine Greer, president of Buglife, which helped organise the project, said: "Living roofs are one way we can all do something to help so many of the creatures we love that are disappearing because of loss of habitat."

It is hoped the spaces could replace those lost to patio gardens and other developments.

Buglife's conservation projects manager Jamie Roberts said: "We want this project to inspire those planning and designing new urban buildings."