So what can we do about it?

Most of this loss of life is happening because we are building roads, cities and taking up more land to grow food, leaving little room for wildlife. But it’s not just about converting wild spaces, it’s HOW we choose to do it. A typical city is covered in cement, brick and glass — hard impermeable surfaces that do not absorb water, do not allow airflow, do not embrace life. Even parks are often dominated by concrete with manicured shrubs and individual trees lining its paths (and often not native!). Nature on the other hand, is soft, curved and diverse. Riverbanks gently slope to allow plants and animals to wade in and out easily. Roots and branches can bend to meet the light or exchange nutrients with neighbouring trees. Just one cubic foot of healthy forest soil can contain thousands of microorganisms. Every inch is teeming with life.

Why can’t our cities be more like that?

Nature Makers Lab was created with the belief that humans can have a positive influence on our planet. How might we create cities where biodiversity thrives and people can easily access nature for mental and spiritual well-being? Why can’t a park host a real forest that provides food, medicine and fibre, not just to wildlife, but to us as well? Why can’t a wall or a fence be full of flowers that provide nectar for bees and herbs for us? Or streets be lined with layers of grasses, shrubs and trees that filter out noise and pollution and attract songbirds into the city?

We need to stop thinking of urban greenery as purely aesthetic and find ways to foster life and make connections, for biodiversity and hunman well-being. Just 20 minutes spent in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and increase attention span, and yet many of us city-zens need to travel hours to access “real” nature.

All we need is your imagination. Come experiment with us.