Question: What are your thoughts on Nature reclaiming Derelict Buildings?

[ProjectRemains]

Hey explorers,

I'm new to the forum but I'm here because I've recently started exploring as I'm conducting some research on how nature reacts with abandoned buildings.

However, for those more veteran explorers I wanted to know a little more about their run-ins with nature. Do you often find that buildings tend to have similar plants growing in them? And do they often come in via the same routes (windows, cracks, etc.)?

Also, what are your thoughts on nature reclaiming buildings that we no longer want? Do you think it's right that nature reclaims this land to restore it as to what it wants?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[krela]

Sorry who are you and why do you want this information?

 

[druid]

.....
However, for those more veteran explorers I wanted to know a little more about their run-ins with nature.

Never really had an run-ins with 'nature'. Occasional bites from brambles and hassle from some unruly cider-fuelled youths once if that counts?

Do you often find that buildings tend to have similar plants growing in them?

Yes, always seem to be members of the eocyte* and no doubt the occasional virus but I never look too closely at species level.

*I'm well aware that there are alternative and equally valid valid 'trees' when it comes to ecological grouping.

And do they often come in via the same routes (windows, cracks, etc.)?

Yes, ALWAYS via a gap ............though on one occasion I'm certain an aspidistra walked, teleported or spawned on a windowsill after I had walked into a room at a well known asylum.

Also, what are your thoughts on nature reclaiming buildings that we no longer want?

Which buildings don't we want? Some people don't like brutalist concrete structures (I do), or don't like artificially white & black wattle and daub...I recognise that all have their place in our ever evolving landscape just the same as bogbeans do. On the whole I've found that all buildings are wanted (loved!) by someone but few are wanted by everyone. The only people who really don't 'want' abuildings are the ones who want to put newer buildings in the same space occupied by the older one.

Do you think it's right that nature reclaims this land to restore it as to what it wants?

What kind of nonsense is that? What nature wants? I think we need some kind of working definition of 'nature' before we can hope to consider whether it 'wants' anything. If you mean in the sense of carrying genetic material to the future then of course it's 'right'.


Is there some serious point to your questions?

 

[krela]

Oh druid, I lol'd so much... comedy gold.

 

[smiler]

Shame on you eejits, PR, might be seeking a cure for the mania that effects us folks, or a defence against nettles, I fear he come to the wrong place, maybe he should try 28 Days Later, it's right up their street, Hours of discussion on such an interesting topic.

 

[druid]

Shame on you eejits, PR, might be seeking a cure for the mania that effects us folks, or a defence against nettles, ................

There is no cure.*

Brief periods when you manage to fight the urge are possible. I've noticed this in people with very young children. The disease in contagious. It can lie dormant for a while but will usually flare up by the child's mid teens. Once it takes hold though, it's there to stay.

Talking about it with friends or looking at bulletin boards like this can help to keep it at bay. Great care is needed though, looking at quality photos of a 'new' site can have you grabbing the headtorch and car keys with scant regard for things like food and drink.




*Not that I actually want to be cured ;-)

 

[night crawler]

You can have the armchair follower like me who tolls though the treads wishing he were young enough to go out, but then every now and then your out and see something interesting and your inquisitiveness takes over and your exporing. Nope, no cure

 

[SlimJim]

Buddleia are very common in derelict places and in industrial wasteland in particular. They'll pretty much push through anything. I can't resist going in to smell them, although sometimes I have a mild spazz when an angry bee hops up You can get a lot of different types of plant in different derelict places. The more unpleasant ones being Nettles, Brambles and Giant Hogweed. I think nature reclaiming things is a great thing. Derelict spaces make great unofficial nature reserves. I'm not talking houses so much (sigh), I'm talking more dry ditches, defences, tunnels, etc.