Innovative Moth Tiles Enhance Urban Biodiversity

Alex Moulds 21st May 2024

In response to new urban biodiversity legislation, a groundbreaking solution called the Moth Tile has been developed to attract moths and support pollination in urban environments.

The Moth Tile was conceived to comply with an April 2024 directive requiring new building plans to enhance biodiversity by 10%. This directive spurred the creation of a durable tile that supports moth populations, crucial nocturnal pollinators often overlooked because of their reputation.

Crafted from durable concrete that has the capability to last up to 33yrs, the Moth Tile ensures longevity, making it a concidered addition to urban landscapes. Its design is manufactured to respond to the physiological needs of these nocturnal pollinators. The key functions: Attract, Feed, and Hide. Aiming to facilitate their reproduction and reinforcing their crucial role in the environmental landscape.

The Attract tile features Favored plants to draw moths to the area. The Feed tile provides nourishment for both adult moths and their larvae, while the Hide tile offers protection from predators such as bats and birds. This triad of functions ensures that moths not only visit but thrive in urban environments.

These tile are still in the testing phase and are being worked on with input from experts in the field and hope soon to have backing from conservations such as the Butterfly conservation as well as our local Butterfly farm in Ditchling.

Moths have been identified as remarkably efficient pollinators, particularly at night. Research shows they visit more flowers per individual than many day time pollinators, making them essential player in pollination, especially in urban areas where increasing biodiversity is not easy to accomplish.

The versatility of the Moth Tile extends its applications beyond traditional building structures. These tiles can be used on sheds, greenhouses, Bike sheds, car park walls and even bus stops, enhancing biodiversity in various urban settings. Whether integrated into the rooftop of a shed or the walls of a greenhouse, these Moth Tiles could foster biodiversity in urban spaces.

This innovative product not only meets legislative requirements but also represents a significant step toward sustainable urban design. By leveraging the natural behaviors of moths, the Moth Tile promotes a harmonious coexistence between urban development and the natural world.

The Moth Tile exemplifies a shift in urban planning—prioritizing ecological balance and sustainability. As cities continue to expand, such innovations underscore the potential for urban environments to support and enhance biodiversity, proving that even amidst concrete jungles, nature can flourish.