This large show garden is directly linked to new design guidance for building developers which demonstrates how biodiversity can be incorporated into housing developments.
The design focuses on managing rainwater through using sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), while also catering for tree and shrub planting, wildflower meadows, nesting facilities in building facades, green roofs, dead wood, and natural play.
The garden incorporates elements of a housing estate and follows the passage of rainwater as it is captured and utilised to benefit both wildlife and residents. The rain water’s passage through the garden is visible in stages cut through the ground. Viewing windows below ground level demonstrate in cross section how the drainage feature works to slow down surface water runoff and help the soil absorb water.
The diverse planting scheme includes a range of woodland plants and trees, demonstrating the many benefits of planting new woodlands in housing estates.
Gold Medal
