The Really Wild Show Home: How to combine nature with new

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The Really Wild Show Home: How to combine nature with newbuild
Landscape design guru Barry Burrows explains how resi developers can easily create a biodiverse
landscape that will enhance any scheme…
Our recent acquisition of new offices and move to the Battersea Reach development took me back to 12 years
ago when I was involved with the master planning of this award winning scheme*. Back then we recognised the
importance of biodiversity while designing the landscape at this prestigious riverside development, with the
involvement of the (EA) environmental agencies.
Biodiversity is a vital consideration to any new landscape or development.
At Battersea Reach creating it was a challenge,
particularly needing to follow the developer’s direction in
wanting to achieve a very stylish and structured scheme.
Today, it’s such a joy to see the impact that this
continually evolving landscape is having on the
community and surrounding area.
Whilst biodiversity is a serious consideration, an award
winning landscape can still be achieved. At Battersea
Reach we used strong geometric planting lines to unify
the spaces around the buildings and link with a new river
walk that meanders through terraced planting areas down
to the foreshore. The landscaping in the public squares
was implemented on podiums above underground car
parks, which required lightweight construction materials
and carefully sourced methods.
The many varied evergreen and herbaceous plants used
throughout the scheme were chosen for their contrasting
textures, flowers and year round interest. Mature
specimen trees sourced from specialist nurseries add to
the visual impact in key areas. Along the river frontage
we changed the emphasis to ecological planting and one
section of the Thames has been transformed from lifeless
mud banks into a haven for plant and wildlife by the
introduction of native species for the inter tidal planting,
which was an important factor that supported the
planning application for the development.
The particular challenges that we faced were the management of the plants with difficult environmental
conditions. The location is subject to constant winds coming off the river and the drying effect that has on the
plants as well as the fact that all the plants and lawns are effectively grown in containers as the whole site is
situated above the car park. We have dealt with this by constantly monitoring the irrigation and renovating some
of the planting that had been less able to deal with the conditions. Over time other varieties and plant species that
create a similar effect to the original design, but cope better with the conditions have been incorporated.
Why is biodiversity important in the built environment?
The built environment plays crucial role to support and enhance biodiversity, especially in dense, urban
areas. While new developments, large and small, can have a significant effect on wildlife and people’s experience
and enjoyment of nature. It’s important to ensure both new and existing buildings maximise any opportunity to
promote biodiversity and to enhance people’s quality of life.
Planners and developers should aim to protect and enhance biodiversity in its widest sense, from the sourcing of
construction material to incorporating measures such as a fully integrated system including green roofs, green
walls and sustainable drainage Systems (SUDS). They should assess the localised impact on nationally
threatened species and even where there are no significant habitats or protected species present on site,
developers should aim to create habitat wherever possible, from small measures such as installation of a nest box
to more comprehensive action such as design of a fully integrated ecological landscape.
How should developments protect and enhance biodiversity?
Prior to planning any development a biodiversity assessment of the location should be undertaken to identify
existing habitats and species present on the site. If building on an existing site an assessment of any trees should
also be carried out. Trees make an important contribution to biodiversity, as well as providing wider benefits.
Established trees of moderate ecological value should not be removed, even where replacement is possible,
unless it is proven that their retention would result in reduced benefit to the overall environment. Instead, these
trees should be retained and complemented with ecological planting schemes.
As well as the proposed development site, the habitats and wildlife features in the vicinity, including parks, open
spaces, designated sites and gardens should also be taken into account. All of these have a great importance to
biodiversity and the potential direct or indirect impact on the development may not always be obvious.
Once an assessment of existing biodiversity has been carried out, the potential to enhance wildlife value within
the new development should be evaluated. Often, once a green roof or wall is incorporated into a development,
other biodiversity features are overlooked, but in fact wider biodiversity features will complement green roofs and
walls and should be considered as integral to a development.
Ecological landscaping and habitat creation
Landscape schemes can be designed to benefit wildlife through planting of trees, native hedges and other plants,
which encourage wildlife. Incorporation of climbers on walls, creation of wetlands, ponds or meadow areas and
addition of features such as loggeries will also support biodiversity. Through careful design landscape can provide
for both amenity and biodiversity.
Verges can create green corridors that connect fragmented or isolated habitats
In developing a landscape design, the local context needs to be considered. Locally appropriate plant species
should be incorporated wherever possible to maximize biodiversity benefits. The development should also be
considered in its wider landscape context to allow maximum potential for connectivity of habitats. For example
verges can create green corridors that connect fragmented or isolated habitats by allowing species to travel
between them.
Some general biodiversity principles to consider in a landscape scheme
Use space innovatively – even small areas of landscaping can be designed for biodiversity, for example through
incorporation of climbers on walls and fences to provide shelter and a food source.
Try to provide a good vegetation structure with trees and shrubs to provide shelter, food and nesting sites for a
whole host of birds, bats and other mammals. Incorporate tree planting on or off site by ensuring that adequate
space is provided for larger shade providing trees to grow. Tree planting should be designed to complement the
other enhancements provided, including by connecting up areas of canopy cover and creating green corridors by
providing links with green areas off site. Provide a range of flowering plants to offer feeding areas, including nightscented plants, will provide a source of nectar for a range of species such as butterflies and bumblebees and will
attract insects for bats to feed on; berry-producing shrubs will provide a natural food source for birds.
Incorporate loggeries – dead wood and log piles will provide a habitat for insects such as Stag Beetles and
hibernation sites for small mammals such as hedgehogs.
Harvested rainwater can be used for landscape irrigation or to create natural water features to benefit birds and
using drought resistant plants aid water conservation.
Complement landscape schemes with other biodiversity features, for example incorporating hedgehog boxes,
ladybird houses and insect hibernaculas.
When deciding on planting schemes consider wildlife friendly species to feature a variety of nectar rich plants and
shrubs which flower at different times of the year to provide all year round colour and boost the wildlife residents.
*The original scheme won a gold award at the Express newspapers New Homes and Garden Awards 2006
Barry Burrows is Managing Director of Bartholomew Landscaping
bartholomewlandscaping.com
Tel: 020 7931 8685