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

Landscape design guru Barry Burrows explains how resi developers can easily create a biodiverselandscape that will enhance any scheme…

Our recent acquisition of new offices and move to the Battersea Reach development took me back to 12 yearsago when I was involved with the master planning of this award winning scheme*. Back then we recognised theimportance of biodiversity while designing the landscape at this prestigious riverside development, with theinvolvement 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 inwanting to achieve a very stylish and structured scheme.Today, it’s such a joy to see the impact that thiscontinually evolving landscape is having on thecommunity and surrounding area.

Whilst biodiversity is a serious consideration, an awardwinning landscape can still be achieved. At BatterseaReach we used strong geometric planting lines to unifythe spaces around the buildings and link with a new riverwalk that meanders through terraced planting areas downto the foreshore. The landscaping in the public squareswas implemented on podiums above underground carparks, which required lightweight construction materialsand carefully sourced methods.

The many varied evergreen and herbaceous plants usedthroughout the scheme were chosen for their contrastingtextures, flowers and year round interest. Maturespecimen trees sourced from specialist nurseries add tothe visual impact in key areas. Along the river frontagewe changed the emphasis to ecological planting and onesection of the Thames has been transformed from lifelessmud banks into a haven for plant and wildlife by theintroduction of native species for the inter tidal planting,which was an important factor that supported theplanning application for the development.

The particular challenges that we faced were the management of the plants with difficult environmentalconditions. The location is subject to constant winds coming off the river and the drying effect that has on theplants as well as the fact that all the plants and lawns are effectively grown in containers as the whole site issituated above the car park. We have dealt with this by constantly monitoring the irrigation and renovating someof the planting that had been less able to deal with the conditions. Over time other varieties and plant species thatcreate 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, urbanareas. While new developments, large and small, can have a significant effect on wildlife and people’s experienceand enjoyment of nature. It’s important to ensure both new and existing buildings maximise any opportunity topromote 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 ofconstruction material to incorporating measures such as a fully integrated system including green roofs, greenwalls and sustainable drainage Systems (SUDS). They should assess the localised impact on nationallythreatened 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 boxto 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 identifyexisting habitats and species present on the site. If building on an existing site an assessment of any trees shouldalso 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, thesetrees 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, openspaces, designated sites and gardens should also be taken into account. All of these have a great importance tobiodiversity 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 withinthe 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 andwalls 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 andaddition of features such as loggeries will also support biodiversity. Through careful design landscape can providefor 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 speciesshould be incorporated wherever possible to maximize biodiversity benefits. The development should also beconsidered in its wider landscape context to allow maximum potential for connectivity of habitats. For exampleverges can create green corridors that connect fragmented or isolated habitats by allowing species to travelbetween 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 throughincorporation 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 awhole host of birds, bats and other mammals. Incorporate tree planting on or off site by ensuring that adequatespace is provided for larger shade providing trees to grow. Tree planting should be designed to complement theother enhancements provided, including by connecting up areas of canopy cover and creating green corridors byproviding links with green areas off site. Provide a range of flowering plants to offer feeding areas, including night-scented plants, will provide a source of nectar for a range of species such as butterflies and bumblebees and willattract 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 andhibernation sites for small mammals such as hedgehogs.

Harvested rainwater can be used for landscape irrigation or to create natural water features to benefit birds andusing 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 andshrubs 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