Uploaded on 2016-09-04 by Oleg Korolov

For the purposes of this exercise, I chose to focus upon my local area in order to talk of its ecosystem services. Provisioning services can be seen in the local green space opposite my house – where wild berries can be seen growing off bushes, from which the local wildlife (mainly foxes, birds and squirrels) can benefit. Mushrooms and nuts also occur in the area and mice can be seen in the local forest as a result of the latter. These services extend past wild growth, with local allotments on the edge of the green space. These allotments allow people to grow their own food – food which local wildlife can prey upon. The allotments serve another purpose in the local area however. They are also a supporting service. The constant enrichment of soil in the area does attract insect life, and constant carbon recycling occurs. This rich soil, again, promotes the growth of wild plants around the allotment boundaries as a result of enrichment – resulting in support to the local habitat. The carbon cycle is also seen in the fallen branches around the local forest where the soil can get enriched in a similar manner. This is where a lot of fungi can be seen. Regulating services are seen around that given green space as a result of lower temperature, higher moisture and lower CO2 levels around the forest. This produces a localized reduction of the UHI effect and increases the livability for the residents of the area. On a grander scale, the reduction of CO2 adds to the cumulative effect seen around all of London’s green spaces – the mass purification of air in the city. Although it seems like a minor effect, it does become profound when looking at the city from satellite imagery and seeing the vast amount of greenery within the capital. This also acts as a positive regulator of livability here. Finally, cultural services can also be established around the green area. It begins with the allotment, where people establish their own businesses (to sell fresh produce) and where they come to relax, enjoy the culture of farming and self-reliance and unwind from the city lifestyle. These services are extended to the vast amounts of people walking their dogs, exercising and otherwise enjoying the green space which has always been a local piece of culture in the local area. It can also be argued that this culture regulates the locals health by promoting exercise and healthy eating. PLEASE SEE IDENTICAL DISCUSSION POST FOR FULL RANGE OF IMAGES