Landscaping for Biodiversity Ecological Landscape Design Consultants Lisa M. J. Dolan BSc. Lisarow Ardmore Co. Waterford Ecolandscapedesign@eircom.net
CONTENTS Three Stages of Process Pre-planning & Landscape Design (main topic) Construction & Preparation Execution of Landscaping Works
Pre-planning/Landscape Step 1 Design Exam. underlying geology, soils Identified plant communities + veg. types Step 2 Consult stakeholders Step 3 Select design approach
Design Approaches 1. Aesthetically Driven Design Areas close to main infrastructure or housing Planting of non-native native species Poor wildlife habitat- Noise and Light pollution Neat Lawns High maintenance - regular mowing
2. More Ecologically Driven Design Away from main infrastructure- less noise and light poll. Retention of existing and creation of new habitats Low maintenance requirements Avoid input of natural resources: herbicides, pesticides, soil conditioners, fertilisers, irrigation. Soil type + local native plant communities Natural Recolonisation
BENEFITS More ecologically sound Little or no Maintenance High wildlife value Low consumption of natural resources Retention and creation of habitat
Case Study 1: St. Johns River Greenway
Reasons for Development 350m - linking housing estate Heavily overgrown Anti-social behaviour Access Vandalism
Preparation of Design Survey Site Tree Survey/Habitat Survey Percentage species composition Soil types Consult with stakeholders Adjust design and layout of development to incorporate native vegetation into design Address any potential H & S concerns
Constraints on Design Management of invasive species Unwanted access Potential for anti-social behaviour Vandalism Flooding Positioning of lighting
Managing Invasives Split Contract into two phases avoided disturbance of invasives Phase I & Phase II Interim period Japanese knotweed was sprayed To reduce long-term maintenance costs
Design approach Retention of all native trees Underplanting Translocation of wetland material Kilbarry Bog Wet-willow alder ash woodland (WN6) Spinose planting Strategic lighting
Habitat Restoration Translocation of salvaged plant material and stepped slopes to facilitate natural recolonisation and wildlife access
Case Study 2: Wetland Site Presence of a designated conservation area adjacent to site Measures to avoid and mitigate for potential interactions e.g. 1. Noise 2. Dust
Layout of Site
Landscape Design Requirement for a buffer zone Ecological Landscape Design 1. Soil Stripping 2. Certified Irish provenance plant material 3. Use of live-twig cutting of Willow sp. 4. Translocation of Alder, Tussock veg. 5. Ponds 6. Facilitate natural recolonisation
No lining to be utilised (minimal resources) Rain water Natural recolonisation & translocation
Selfseeding Alder
Case Study 3: Ferbane Technology Park Mixed woodland (WD2) Age-distribution Overgrazed understorey Semi-natural grassland
Planning Recommendations Retained existing habitats Retention of semi-natural grasslands Restoration of oak woodland Enlarged habitats thru 25% open space Consistency between designs Recommended designs thru Planning process
Semi-natural grasslands Harvest hay in Sept-Oct 21 kg square bale = 450,000 seeds Ensure presence of sub-soil soil which avoids comp. with agric. weeds Cost-effective: low consumption of resources in planting + little or no maintenance Wildlife Friendly
Native Semi-natural grasslands
Construction Stage Preparations prior to commencement 1. Flagging of vegetation to be retained 2. Examine sources of soil, gravel etc. 3. Walkover of site prior to commencement of works to note any changes since surveying
During Construction 1. Minimise disturbance to vegetation 2. Minimise movement of topsoil 3. Monitor site works 4. Oversee final preparation with regards to soil types and final shaping
Execution of Landscaping Works Again, examine site prior to commencement-walkover survey e.g. badgers, bats etc. Monitor soil movement Minimise use of chemical weed control-spot spraying Facilitate natural recolonisation
Summary Gather baseline info (eco & soils) Consult Select Design approach based on site conditions Minimise soil movement Walkover surveys Monitor construction incl. soil prep. Minimise chemical weed control