Although the protection of natural communities in Nature
Reserves and National Parks is most
important, there are many types of plants and animals which have successfully adapted their way
of life to man-made habitats.
Flowers such as rosebay willow-herb, dandelion and ragwort
thrive in well- drained areas such as
railway yards, docksides and building sites. In the hearts of many large cities, a few specimens of
lichens and mosses are usually to be found growing on roofs and walls.
Many animals eat food left by man; quite complex food-webs
exist in and around rubbish dumps.
Foxes, rats, and herring gulls are amongst the animals found in such places. Birds such as
starlings, jackdaws, and house sparrows nest in and around buildings. Birds of prey are sometimes
found nesting close to the centre of cities, using large office-blocks as though they were cliffs. They
feed on rats, mice and pigeons.
