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This thin mat of rubble and soil is now home to some 40+ wild plants (many self-seeded) and an increasing range of small invertebrates – grasshoppers, hoverflies, spiders and beetles… Even some migrant birds have been seen here and peregrine falcons regularly use the roof as a feeding perch.

Green roofs (sometimes referred to as brown roofs) are becoming an increasingly important part of urban conservation design. As more and more brownfield sites are being redeveloped, ecologists are seeking new ways of providing habitat for some of the more unusual flora and fauna of our city. The thin soil, fast-draining and exposed conditions on green roofs enable certain of our less common species to thrive in relative safety

There are some interesting lessons here for the Olympic Park designers, so we can expect a few more trips upstairs over the coming months.