While urbanisation is a major threat to global
biodiversity, it also brings opportunities for some
species. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have
been installed in all Scottish cities to reduce flood
and pollution risk and they can also offer new
habitats for wildlife. We studied SuDS in Inverness
and the Scottish Central Belt to assess their value as
amphibian breeding sites, habitats, and as places
where urban people can experience nature. The
nine-year study revealed that many SuDS were of
similar ecological quality to wider countryside ponds
but that the quality of ponds is not equitably
distributed between neighbourhoods inhabited by
different socio-economic classes. However, the
findings suggest ways to improve the design and
management of SuDS for people and nature, making
access to high quality ponds available to all social
groups
