Green Roofs

Green Roofs are a type of roofing system which provides a foundation for grasses,
succulents and other small plants to flourish despite being disconnected from the ground.
Whilst some people may be concerned over the prospect of roots penetrating the top of
the shelter and causing an unsightly growth of roots to become visible from the underside, 
most green roof systems are designed to ensure that this is an unlikely reality through the
use of solid trays, and plants that will limit their size according to the root space they are
able to carve out. 

Drainage

Green Sedum roofs have the ability to improve the drainage of your canopy or shelter roof, 
by using the root systems the plants' use to support themselves throughout life, the green roof 
is able to take some of the drainage stress away from your gutter systems and convert it into
lush & vibrant wildlife. 

Lifespan

In addition to the relief on your drainage systems a Green Roof system is also able to extend the
lifespan of the shelter roof by offering a thick layer of insulation against the wind, rain, and any
debris being carried by a particularly strong gust. In addition to protection from the elements
the use of a sedum roof offers a layer of protection against harmful UV rays and temperature
fluctuations, particularly useful on a shelter supplied with polycarbonate or PETg sheeting,
which both have the potential to warp under high temperatures.

Wildlife

One of the obvious and inherent benefits of employing a Green Roof system on your canopy
is to assist the local wildlife. A green roof offers sanctuary to a number of insects, from bees to
beetles & spiders. Some leaf eating insects such as aphids & caterpillars even make the roof
their home for a short time as they engorge on plants in a place far from most predators while
they metamorphose into moths & butterflys.

Insect Hotels

Insect hotels or "Bug Boxes" add a further layer of wildlife protection to your cycle shelter
in the form of long term accommdation for all your favourite creepy crawlies. Far from the
reaches of typical predators such as birds & rodents, the elevated hidey-hole offers insects such as
bees and ladybirds a vital area to rest & recuperate. Some species such as the carpenter bee
will be able to thrive in an Insect Hotel as the pre made holes will save the animal from having
to waste energy creating its own home, leaving more energy to create larvae & hunt for food.
Others, such as ladybirds (who hibernate for the winter) will greatly appreciate the safe
and secure dwelling as they tuck themselves away for the coldest months. 

Though an insect hotel doesnt have much to offer in the way of improvements to the cycle
shelter itself, they can be a great resourse for children or animal lovers alike to engage
with their environment. For children specifically, the desire to see the butterflys or play
with the ladybirds could well be the reason they convince their parents to cycle to the park
rather than drive.