Amanda Tisdall S1208746
CASTLE MEADS / ALNEY ISLAND GATEWAY TO THE COUNTRYSIDE DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT
“Gloucester needs somewhere to call its own and I hope this space will bring people together and change people’s perception of the city”
CONTENTS 1 - Introduction
1.1 - Background information 1.2 - The Region 1.3 - History 1.4 - Project Brief
2 - Current Site
2.1 - Site Survey 2.2 - Views 2.3 - Circulation 2.4 - Important Site Features
3 - Landscape Analysis 3.1 - Hydrology 3.2 - Vegetation + habitat
4 - Site Analysis
4.1 - Opportunities and Constraints 4.2 - Conceptual Ideas 4.3 - Development Ideas
5 - Master Plan Elements 5.1 - Principle + Stratergy 5.2 - Inspiration 5.3 - Master Plan 5.4 - Landforms
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5.5 - Visitor Interpretation Centre 5.6 - Car Park 5.7 - Quay Side
6 - Circulation Stratergy
6.1 - Quay Road 6.2 - Proposed Pedestrian Bridges 6.3 - Desired Route Through Site 6.4 - Wetland Pathway 6.5 - Wet Woodland Pathway
7 - Vegetation Stratergy
7.1 - Riparian Margin and Floating Wetland 7.2 - Wetland Meadow 7.3 - Dry Woodland 7.4 - Wet Woodland 7.5 - Wetland
8 - Energy Stratergy
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8.1 - Wind Turbines
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9 - Hydrology Stratergy
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10 - Sustainability
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11 - Management and Maintainence
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INTRODUCTION
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1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION Alney Island is a large tract of open flood meadow to the immediate west of Gloucester City. South of the A40 it is predominantly owned by the City Council, and has been managed as wet grassland for a number of years. It is now designated a local nature reserve, and is managed for public recreation and nature conservation. Much of Alney Island is managed as a wetland nature reserve to conserve and enhance this important habitat and its wildlife. Marshes and wetlands such as this were once commonplace but in the last 60 years or so, many were drained for agriculture. The Island is also a great place to view the Severn Bore at certain times of the year, either from Over Bridge, or the Lower Parting (where the two arms of the river join). Until the Severn Bridge was built in the 1960s the island was the lowest crossing point over the Severn into Wales. For this reason, since Roman times, it has been subject to intensive human activity. For example, it has been host to a coal fired power plant (now the Castle Meads car park) rubbish tips and, of course, significant rail and road infrastructure. It is currently home to two electricity substations and a number of overhead pylons and electricity wires. Some years ago, as part of work to improve the management of the wetland, Gloucester city council installed a small wind turbine to pump water onto the island in times of drought to maintain the wetland habitat. You can see this small turbine in action near to Castle Meads car park. During investigations for this small turbine, it became clear that this area could accommodate a much larger machine. The area is open and gets a
good flow of wind, especially from the prevailing south westerly direction. It is also a long way from housing and has good access to the electricity grid connections. The council has been keen to explore the feasibility of a larger turbine for a number of reasons: • The green energy produced would make a major contribution to “carbon savings” and reduce greenhouse gases, which is part of our Climate Change Strategy. • It would provide a long term income stream that will help us maintain frontline council services in an increasingly challenging financial climate. • It would represent a high profile and symbolic renewable energy project which would be good for Gloucester. • A number of feasibility studies into different models of turbines have been undertaken. For the last year we have had a wind monitoring mast in place and this has now confirmed a healthy wind speed which makes a turbine viable. Gloucester city council manages the reserve, with a view to maintaining and enhancing its unique character. The grassland areas are grazed by traditional breeds of cattle, owned and managed by the City Council’s Countryside Unit. These include Old Gloucester, an ancient local breed whose milk is used to make the famous Single and Double Gloucester cheese.
1.2 THE REGION Gloucester is a city, district and county town of Gloucestershire in the South West region of England. Gloucester lies close to the Welsh border and is located on the eastern bank of the River Severn. It is sheltered by the Cotswolds to the east, while the Forest of Dean and the Malvern Hills rise to the west and north, respectively. Alney Island is situated to the west of Gloucester on the outskirts of the city. It is an island by virtue of being between two bifurcated arms of the River Severn, which separate at Upper Parting to the north of the Island and join at Lower Parting to the south. Alney Island lies between the corresponding east and west channels of the river. The west channel has more direct route of recently formed channel after main river broke out from original course during a period of high flow. Alney Island is thought to be one of the largest river islands in the UK. Alney Island is low-lying ground, with just a few areas of high ground and embankments being above the 1 in 100 year level of the Severn Vale flood plain. It is traversed by the Gloucester to South Wales railway, the East-West A40 highway and the A417 highway leading into Gloucester from the A40, all of which are built on embankments.
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Alney Island is adjacent to Gloucester Docks and within easy walking distance of the city centre. There are numerous public and permissive paths. The name ‘Castle Meads’ literally means the meads of meadows of the castle. The castle in question no longer exists but was located on the east side of the river. In 1643, during the siege of Gloucester , a bridge made from ladders was constructed across the river and used by the women and children. They escaped the city to tend cattle on Castle Meads and cut turf for making defences. After the siege, the land continued to be used as a meadow for producing hay and grazing animals until the 1940’s when a power station was built where the car park now stands. The jetty and causeway, which now form part of the footpath into the city, were also constructed at this time to allow coal to be delivered by river barges.
1.3 HISTORY
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Gloucester was founded in AD 97 by the Romans under Emperor Nerva as Colonia Glevum Nervensis, and was granted its first charter in 1155 by King Henry II. Economically, the city is dominated by the service industries, and has a strong financial and business sector, being home to the bank Cheltenham & Gloucester and historically was prominent in the aerospace industry.
In the 1870’s a lock cut through southern tip of Island and was associated with new weir in the river. The lock was designed to raise the level of the river at Gloucester Lock. The Llanthony Weir was built in 1871 to ensure minimum depth of 6 ft in river above Gloucester as big tides go over top of the weir debris on the weir get carried back upstream. View from Docks Branch bridge shows weir, lock and lock keepers’ cottages, the footbridge gives access to lock-keepers’ cottages.
Gloucester is a port, linked via the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal which runs from Gloucester’s docks to the Severn Estuary, allowing larger ships to reach the docks than would be possible on the tidal reaches of the river itself, which go well north of the city to Haw Bridge. The wharfs, warehouses and the docks themselves fell into disrepair until their renovation in the 1980s. They now form a public open space. Some warehouses now house the National Waterways Museum, others were converted into residential apartments, shops and bars. Additionally, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is located in the Custom House. The port still houses the most inland RNLI lifeboat in the UK.
Castle Meads
Quay
Quay
Old Lock
Gloucester’s riverside today shows very little sign that the river was once a major highway for trade. The Quay was lined by many warehouses and was busy with trading vessels; the old Custom House is the only remaining building form this era. Currently Gloucester makes little use of its riverside setting or that of Castle Meads and Alney Island. History of southern part of the site Island is largely concerned with transport routes crossing river valley. Romans built a bridge and causeway across low-lying ground - to open route to South Wales. For centuries this was lowest crossing point of river - Gloucester was an important strategic centre.
Lock Keepers Cottage
In 20th century the Island was crossed by electricity cables and pylons when the Alney Island Sub-station was built in the 1930’s Weir
1.4 PROJECT BRIEF The aim of this project is to provide an innovative and ambitious proposal for the future use and transformation of the Castle Meads site and a proportion of Alney Island. “Bringing the community closer to the countryside� based on a deep understanding of the site - its history and heritage, its value for and potential, its function as part of the River Severn floodplain, and its value for the future of Gloucester and the region - artistic, touristic, iconic, symbolic, sustainable, educational.... The site is to become a key visitor attraction and one which is considered iconic in terms of its promotion of the city and the region. The inclusion on the site of a new built structure which will act as a regional and or national flood (incl Severn Bore) + ecological interpretation and education centre. The role of this building might include aspects of local rural and industrial heritage. .
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The creation of an ecological park based on the existing agriculture and ecology of the site and the future potential for the creation of further habitats. Enhancement of the current car parking The incorporation of land art including landforming in response not only to the flood issues but also the sense of place and meaning. The incorporation of a new pedestrian bridge((s) connecting Alney Island with the city/docks. Consideration of the interface between Alney island and the city in terms of the treatment of the eastern edge of the severn channel and the docks.
CURRENT SITE 2.1 SITE SURVEY The Site
• The site is approximately 31 hectares • Located West and South West of the city • Currently a nature reserve • Intersected by Castle meads Way (A430) • Lies between two channels of the river Severn • Within floodplain and floods regularly • Adjacent to Quay • Within walking distance to two iconic sites the Gloucester Cathedral and Docks • Power station lies north of the site • Old power station turned car park located south east in the site off A430 • Small wind turbine in the south west of the site • Lock keepers cottage located south west in the site opposite Weir • Owned by Gloucester City Council and managed by their country side unit • Site is grazed by approximately 30 Gloucester cattle
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2.1 SITE SURVEY
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Site visit survey and initial thoughts. The situation of the site, sits on the edge of Gloucester City and is within walking distance from the city centre, Docks and Gloucester Cathedral. The site is dissected by into two parts by Castle Meads Way (A430) and has a car park within the site that is frequently used by the public, these are characteristics which need to be maximised through the provision of safe, direct, convenient and interesting pedestrian routes. There are very limited views into the site from the Docks and Quay side, but there are great views from Castle Meads Way this should be maximised to draw people into the site and improvements need to be made on the dock and Quay side. There is no access to the weir on Alney island.
2.2 VIEWS
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The following are some images of key areas with the Castle Meads/Alney Island site, before and during flooding.
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2.2 VIEWS 1 - The Old Custom House
11 2 - View of Quay looking South (before)
2 - View of Quay looking South (after) 4 - View of Quay looking North (before)
3 - Lock (before)
3 - Lock (after)
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
4 - View of Quay looking North (after)
5 - View into Castle Meads from Quay side (after)
6 - View of Castle Meads raised land (after)
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
2.2 VIEWS 7- Bridge into Castle Meads from Docks
12 8 - Old train tracks
9 - Pathway to car park (before)
9 - Pathway to car park (after)
10 - View of Castle Meads looking West 11 - View of Castle Meads looking West
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell 12 - Westgate Bridge (after)
12 - Westgate Bridge (after)
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
12 - Westgate Bridge (before)
2.2 VIEWS 13 - Wind Turbine (before)
13 13 - Wind Turbine (after)
14 - South West Alney Island
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell 15 - South West Alney Island old Lock
Site in flood
16 - South West Alney Island
Site in flood
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
17 - South West Alney Island
Site in flood
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
2.2 VIEWS
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18 - Power station North of Site showing flood defences 19 - View of Alney Island looking south from North end of site next to power station
20 - Castle Meads Way looking South. Castle Meads of the left of the image and Alney Island on the right
22 - Alney Island 23 - Alney Island 21 - Alney Island
24 - Drainage tunnel under Castle Meads Way, Alney Island side (before) 25 - Drainage tunnel under Castle Meads Way, Castle Meads side (after)
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
26 - Drainage tunnel under Castle Meads Way, Castle Meads side (after)
Photo curtosy of Allan Mitchell
2.3 CIRCULATION
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This bridge provides access from the Westgate area of the city via a foot/cycle bridge. Whilst this is a reasonably wide and accessible path, to join the informal footpath along the river, you must pass through a kissing gate. Which results in very difficult access for disabled users, the gradient is relatively steep and it has no defined path for users. This bridge provides access to the docks and is currently the most used point of access. It is a steeply curved footbridge with three shallow steps on the Dock’s side. These steps, combined with the steepness of the paths gradient, makes use of the bridge by wheelchairs and pushchairs difficult. All access via this bridge requires negotiation of either the lock-gate footpath or the narrow road bridge as well as crossing the road. This current arrangement is very off putting foe users and dangerous. This is the footbridge over the River Severn, allowing access to the Lock House it is not very well used and is a narrow bridge. Paved formal footpath, allowing easy access and movement through the site Informal footpath makes for walking different experience. It follows a small ridge on the Castle Meads side, but is not appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Public Footpath Informal Pathway National Cycle Network Route 45 Main Vehicular Route Bridge
2.4 IMPORTANT SITE FEATURES
Power station Docks and Lock Car Park Lock keepers Cottage Quay Side Wier
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LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS NATURAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES The Following maps look at Castle Meads/Alney Island site. A detailed analysis has been made of the landscape, including its natural bounderies, man made interventions, and ecological habitats
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3.1 HYDROLOGY Castle meads and Alney island are situated on a floodplain and are both inundated by the River Severn during flood events.
18 A wet grassland depression to the east of the Castle meads car park provides some storm water attenuation for the car park and hard standing. A small Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUD) pond is located on the eastern boundary. It will also be possible to retain some of this storm water in the winter months within the wetland area.
The underlying soil is a naturally wet, loamy and clayey floodplain soil and the site retains surface water in the main topographic depression on the south east margin with the bypass and council car Investigation of the current surface water runoff from park. the bypass and car park, may also provide opportunities for wetting up a greater area of wetland habitat with the There is no permanent watercourse on the additional benefit of treating surface water pollution prior to Castle meads site and, therefore, surface water discharge to the environment. accumulation for wetland habitats is largely rainfall dependant; although floods will contribute to wetting up the site. The ground conditions graduate in wetness; it is drier closer to the raised river edge, while getting progressively wetter towards the bypass margin. Wetland habitat has formed in the depression to the north of the Castle meads car park. The water levels in these habitats will fluctuate in response to rainfall intensity and occasional inundation from the River Severn. The western bypass divides the site from the rest of Alney Island. Flood flow pathways were included in the bypass construction; principally a 50 m bridge section and several small culverts under the bypass which allow floodwater to flow between the two areas. During flooding there are several flood flow pathways that need to be maintained; these allow the meadow to drain following inundation. Inundation of the Castle meads site is relatively temporary in nature as when the tide goes out flooding is eased.
Drain tunnels
Drains
Pond main permanent body of water
Water flows down both the eastern and western channels and the wier then pushes the water and debris back upstream on the western channel.
3.1 HYDROLOGY Drain tunnels allow water to move from the eastern side of the site to the western side of the site and vice versa. The river Severn has fluctuating water levels due to tidal conditions. Water levels on the river are controlled by weirs close to Gloucester. The river channel splits 3 miles above Gloucester, the eastern channel being navigable and the western no longer. There is a weir just below the upper parting on the western channel, and one at llanthony on the eastern channel just below Gloucester dock. . Tides occur regularly on the river above Gloucester. The tide coming up from the estuary encounters a sudden narrowing of the river about ten miles below Gloucester, and this may cause a tidal-wave to rush up the river towards Gloucester, known as the ‘Severn Bore’. The Bore may overtop the weirs causing an increase in the water levels in the upper river.
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3.2 VEGETATION + HABITATS
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The following habitats have been identified:
As you move throughout the site there are a variety of different habitats which, support different species of wildlife, the damper the ground the greater the diversity of habitats and species richness. With the development of the site I want to extend and enhance these habitats using exiting plant species to do this.
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3.2 VEGETATION + HABITATS
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1 - Rank grassland along footpath and riverbank, with abundant nettle. Indian Balsam, Hemlock Water-drop wort, Great Willow herb and Reed Canary-grass are frequent along the riverbank. There is a group of mature Weeping Willow, Grey Alder and Horse-chestnut.
6 - Ephemeral pools supporting Opposite Stonewort, Celery-leaved Buttercup, Pond Water-crowfoot, Narrow-leaved Water-plantain, Brooklime, Amphibious Bistort and Fool’s Water-cress.
2 - Main area is grassland containing abundant Corky-fruited Water-drop wort amongst a sward comprising frequent Red Fescue, Rough Meadow-grass, Creeping Thistle, Yorkshire-fog and Meadow Barley, with Perennial Rye-grass, Crested Dog’s-tail, Smooth Brome, Soft-brome, Common Sorrel, Dandelion, Meadow Buttercup, Goat’s-beard, Yellow Oat-grass, Cock’s-foot, Creeping Cinquefoil and Yarrow. Lady’s Bedstraw is locally frequent and Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil is rare. Meadow Foxtail is locally frequent, particularly within a sward also containing abundant Perennial Rye-grass and Meadow Barley.
7 - Disturbed ground supporting a mix of ruderal, grassland and wetland species. These include Trifid Bur-marigold, Bristly Oxtongue, Purple-loosestrife, Tufted Vetch, Meadow Barley, Silver weed, Tall Melilot, Greater Plantain, Yarrow, docks, Creeping Buttercup, Spear Thistle, Wild Teasel, Tufted Hair-grass, Black Medick, Oxeye Daisy, Gipsywort, Hard Rush, False Fox-sedge, Reed Canary-grass, Tansy, Marsh Foxtail, Red Bartsia, Common Comfrey, Wild Parsnip, Common Centaury, Corky-fruited Water-drop wort and Mugwort. Occasional open muddy areas support Water-plantain and Celery-leaved Buttercup.
3 - Damper ground supporting abundant Tufted Hair-grass with frequent Marsh Foxtail, Creeping Bent, Creeping Buttercup, Silver weed, Curled Dock and locally frequent Common Marsh-bedstraw. There is a small stand of Reed Canary-grass and Almond Willow.
8 - Greater Pond-sedge swamp with Reed Canary-grass, Great Willow herb, Redshank, Yellow Iris, Hedge Bindweed and locally frequent Salix saplings.
4 - Tussocky wet grassland dominated by frequent to abundant Common Couch, Yorkshire-fog and Creeping Bent, with occasional to locally frequent Tufted Hair-grass. Also present are Meadow Foxtail, Clustered Dock, Meadowsweet, Timothy, Creeping Thistle, Meadow Barley, Dandelion, Marsh Ragwort and Great Willow herb. There are patches with locally frequent Creeping Cinquefoil, Marsh Foxtail and Silver weed. 5 - Overgrown track lined by an avenue of mature Hybrid Black-poplar and Lombardy-poplar, with Crack-willow and Grey Poplar. Ground cover is a mix of tall herbs, tussocky grass and ruderal species, including Bristly Oxtongue, Tufted Vetch, Great Willow herb, Hemlock Water-drop wort, Reed Canary-grass, Meadow Buttercup, Redshank and evening-primrose.
9 - Slight ditch. The dense mat of vegetation comprises Silver weed, Creeping Bent, Common Couch and locally frequent Floating Sweet-grass and Marsh Foxtail. Marginal False Fox-sedge, Jointed Rush and Reed Canary-grass. 10 - Dense stand of Greater Pond-sedge with Common Reed, Common Marsh-bedstraw, Common Couch, Purple-loosest rife, Hedge Bindweed, Gipsy wort, Creeping Bent, Reed Canary-grass and Dewberry. 11 - Pond with frequent to abundant Water-plantain and Common Spike-rush, with occasional to frequent Bulrush, Yellow Iris and Frogbit. New Zealand Pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii) is locally abundant. The dense marginal vegetation comprises Gipsywort, False Fox-sedge, Reed
3.2 VEGETATION + HABITATS Sweet-grass, Hard Rush, Soft Rush, Jointed Rush, Round-fruited Rush, Pink Water-speedwell, Marsh Foxtail, Purple-loosest rife, water-starwort, water-crowfoot, Water Mint, Cuckoo-flower and Water Figwort. A dense stand of Common Spike-rush at the southern end of the pond also contains Narrow-leaved Water-plantain and Frogbit. Bankside scrub comprises Osier, Crack-willow and a mature Weeping Willow. 12 - Reed Canary-grass swamp with Common Couch, Creeping Bent, Purple-loosest rife, Silver weed, Gipsy wort and docks. 13 - Shallow ditch heavily shaded along much of its length by tall Osiers, Crack-willow and Grey Willow and a dense cover of Hedge Bindweed, Reed Canary-grass, Common Couch, Silver weed, Purple-loosest rife, Creeping Bent and locally frequent Water Mint. 14 - Reed Canary-grass fen with locally frequent Tufted Hair-grass and Hedge Bindweed. This grades into tall herb vegetation dominated by Great Willow herb, Meadowsweet, Hedge Bindweed, Bramble and Hogweed. 15 - The margins of the cycle path support a mix of ruderal, wetland and rough grassland species. These include Black Medick, Silver weed, Common Ragwort, Bristly Oxtongue, White Clover, Common Bird’s-foottrefoil, Purple-loosest rife, Tufted Vetch, Gipsy wort, Perennial Sow-thistle, Wild Teasel, Perennial Rye-grass, Wild Carrot, False Fox-sedge, Wild Mignonette and Corky-fruited Water-drop wort. 16 - Coarse grassland with Tufted Hair-grass scattered within frequent Red Fescue, Smooth Meadow-grass and Yorkshire-fog, and Spiked Sedge. A good variety of meadow flowers include Corky-fruited Water-drop wort, Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Meadow Vetchling, Meadow Buttercup and Lady’s Bedstraw.
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17 - Broad leaved plantation of Lime, Field Maple, Norway Maple, Wild Cherry, Silver Birch, Turkey Oak, Ash, Rowan and Hornbeam. The tall herb ground cover comprises Common Nettle, Indian Balsam, Hogweed, Cleavers, Ground-ivy, Hemlock, Creeping Thistle, Cow Parsley, Hedge Bindweed, Meadowsweet and Tufted Vetch. 18 - Tall herb fen with frequent to abundant Reed Canary-grass and Silver weed, Creeping Bent, Hairy Sedge, Common Comfrey, Common Couch, Purple-loosest rife, Meadowsweet and Great Willow herb. This grades to in places to Tufted Hair-grass, Common Couch, Silver weed and Creeping Bent grassland and, in the north-east corner Oxeye Daisy, Common Knap weed, Common Centaury, Perforate St. John’s-wort. 19 - Lower ground with shallow pools supporting Pink Water-speedwell, Branched Bur-reed, Bulrush, Water-plantain, Reed Canary-grass, Common Spike-rush, Jointed Rush, Hard Rush, Floating Sweet-grass, Perennial Rye-grass, Meadow Barley and Hairy Sedge. 20 - Ditch lined by occasional to frequent Hawthorn, Elder, Alder and Osier over Reed Canary-grass, Hemlock Water-drop wort, Common Nettle, Cleavers, Bramble and False Oat-grass. The scattered aquatics include Water Forget-me-not and Brooklime. 21 - River bank scrub of frequent Osier plus Crack-willow, White Willow and Alder with tall herb cover of Hemlock Water-drop wort, Indian Balsam, Reed Canary-grass and Great Willow herb.
Doe, J. (2007-2012). Alney Island LNR Management Plan. Gloucester: Gloucester City Council.
SITE ANALYSIS OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS The Following images focus on the Castle Meads/Alney island sites opportunities and constraints to development and identify what areas could enhanced and expanded
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4.1 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS Opportunities • Gateway to the city • Visual connections and amenity • Key connecting route • Ecology + Habitats • Flooding • History + Heritage and how this has scared the landscape • Site as a destination/recreational opportunities • Car park • Existing cycle route • Old Custom House • Weir • Lock keepers cottage • Old Lock • Drain tunnels under Castle Meads Way • Quay • Via Sacra • Gloucester Cow • Wind turbine • Severn Bore
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4.1 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS Constraints • Flooding • Access (Limited access on the site and pathway’s throughout the site) • Access to weir • Clear linkages connections and views into the site • Castle Meads Way (A430) • Quay Road • Willows on Quay side obstructing views into Castle Meads • Lack of identity • Power Station • Views are limited from the dock and Quay side
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4.2 CONCEPTUAL IDEAS
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4.2 CONCEPTUAL IDEAS
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4.3 DEVELOPMENT IDEAS
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MASTERPLAN ELEMENTS
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5.1 PRINCIPLE + STRATERGY Development Strategy To create a series of design interventions that will visually connect you through the site. By drawing people to the waters edge. Creating natural and physical links uniting Gloucester City with the Docks, Quay side, Castle Meads, and Alney Island. I want a site that has a strong sense of place for the city and area itself. A site that is all about sustainable design and development. The primary purpose of the site will be to provide the residents of Gloucester with an easily accessible wildlife area, thus allowing those who otherwise might not visit the country side to enjoy a rural experience.
The Key ideas and principles of the development of the Castle Meads/ Alney island Nature reserve are: Castle Meads and Alney island are valuable for flood alleviation. Castle Meads an extension of Alney island, it is a gateway to/from the city to the countryside and is one of the few locations where both the iconic Gloucester Docks and Cathedral, can be seen at one time. This is a key principle in the development and enhancement of Castle Meads. Through the development of Castle Meads and drawing people into the site, will provide a crucial link required for the Development of Alney island. I propose that Castle Meads and Alney Island should be developed as a rural ecological park; a green space that will preserve and enhance its existing habitats and characteristics in an appropriate and sympathetic manner with the provision for recreation and environmental education activities. I want to create a site that is an exciting and iconic landscape which will become a destination used by visitors and locals. The key principle in the design is about changing the accessibility to the site, both physical and conceptual. • Provide a gateway from the city into the countryside • Retain the value of the area for flood alleviation • Enhance the ecological value of the site by increasing the amount of species currently on the site, and introduction of new species for habitat diversity and amenity • Provide a recreational space for the people of Gloucester which is used and cherished by them. • Add value to the site for those who are visiting • Help link the Docks and Cathedral area of the city to the site • Maximise the views into the site from castle Meads way to draw people in
5.2 INSPIRATION
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5.3 MASTERPLAN
CASTLE MEADS/ALNEY ISLAND GATEWAY TO THE COUNTRYSIDE Lock Keepers Cottage
Wetland
Visitor Interpreation Centre
Landforms
Car Park
Desired route through site
Riparian Edge
Wet woodland walkway
Wetland Meadow
Wetland Walkway
Dry Woodland
Proposed pedestrian bridges
Wet Woodland
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5.4 LANDFORMS The landforms are indicative of the movement of water. They are designed to manipulate people’s movement through Castle Meads across to Alney Island by manipulating peoples views and perspective. They will also provide Glimpsed views of Gloucester and Gloucester Cathedral as people move through Castle Meads. The Landforms can be climbed on to elevate people’s view over the site and Gloucester City. They can also provide areas of separation for events/festivals to be held, and areas of different habitat. The landforms do not effect the flow of water through the site when there is flood, they are designed so the water flows around them, down the site or into the river. During flood times the landforms will always sit above the water level thus creating a unique view into the site from the Quay side, and Castle Meads Way.
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5.5 VISITOR INTERPRETATION CENTRE The purpose of the Visitor Interpretation Centre is to educate and raise awareness about flooding, Severn Bore sustainability, and habitat biodiversity for now and in the future. The VIC will also provide information on the site and city history, events/festivals and its recreational uses. The VIC is located within the enhanced wetland, and is designed to be accessible during times of flood, thus providing people with a unique opportunity to interact with the site during flood. The VIC will be the start point of the site for people visiting Castle meads/Alney Island Nature Reserve and provide crucial links to other areas of the site, the Gloucester Docks, Quay Side and Gloucester City.
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5.6 CAR PARK The car park has been redesigned so it now located on both the eastern and western side of Castle Meads Way (A430). By having the carpark on both the eastern and western side, people will be able to access the site easier from the A430. The visitor interpretation centre is located on the western side of the site, therefore carpark access on the western side for people going to the visitor interpretation centre or other parts of Alney Island is vital. The car park currently has 245 car park spaces, due to the car park now being extended, to deal with more people using the site, it will be increased to a capacity of approximately 400 spaces. The Car Park will also have a SUDS system such as rain gardens, and swales, any excess water will then be treated on the Castle Meads/ Alney Island Nature Reserve.
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5.7 QUAY SIDE Quay side is a very important part of the site as it is one of the key locations in connecting Gloucester City with Alney Island. I want to draw people to the waters edge and get people as close as possible to it. Through the use of steps and a public footbridge that go into the water this can be achieved. The Quay Side steps have been redesigned with a series of terraced steps that start form from road level and go down into the water, these will provide further access onto the Quay side walkway. The steps into the water also provide another opportunity for people to get up close to the waters edge. Both the steps and pedestrian bridge on Quay side deal with the dynamic and fluctuating water levels of the Quay.
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6.1 CIRCULATION STRATEGY - QUAY ROAD Quay Road will become a shared space street. By having a shared space street it will minimise the demarcations between vehicles and pedestrians. This would involve removing the road markings, raising the level of the road surface so that its is the same as the pavement and using a single material throughout the area. The result of this would be, from the pedestrians perspective, the creation of a space that runs continuously from the Docks to Westgate Road along Quay side. From the drivers perspective, the ambiguity of the space, caused by a different road material and absence of road markings, would promote caution and reduce speed. This reduces the dominance of motor vehicles and enables all users to share the space thus allowing people and users of the site better movement and access into Castle Meads the Gloucester Docks and city.
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6.2 CIRCULATION STRATEGY - PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES Dock, Car Park, and VIC Pedestrian Bridge - Gateway to the countryside. The proposed new pedestrian bridge will provide a direct route from the Gloucester docks to the carpark, and the Visitor Interpretation Centre. The bridge will also give people unique views of the Docks, City and Castle Meads/Alney Island as it meanders over the site. Quay Side Pedestrian Bridge - across form the Old Customs House creating a direct link into the site form Gloucester town centre. The bridge is designed with ramps going down into the water so people can dock small boats or kayaks. It will also provide people the opportunity to get up close with the waters edge. Both these bridges play a key part in an iconic response and the linkages they provide to the city and docks
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6.3 CIRCULATION STRATEGY - DESIRED ROUTE THROUGH SITE These lines just show the possible routes that people can take through the site. The aim of the this design is to create a series of interventions that will visually connect you through the site. This has been achieved through the use of landforms and different habitats/vegetation as you move throughout the site. People can move from the Castle Meads to Alney Island through the drain tunnels that run under Castle Meads Way and will give access to undiscovered spaces and pockets of wild meadow.
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6.4 CIRCULATION STRATEGY - WETLAND PATHWAY The wetland pathway will give people the opportunity to move throughout the wetland and engage with the its variety of habitats, The pathway will also link with the wet woodland pathway and other parts of the site, it is also directly linked with the VIC. The pathway will be used for walking, cycling. And will be suitable for people with disabilities and the visually impaired. The wetland pathway will be made from an elevated boardwalk system made of treated timber or locally sourced wood. The boardwalk must be elevated above the wetland to protect its habitats/plant species. Where there is areas of deep water handrails will be required. Examples of elevated boardwalk pathways
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6.5 CIRCULATION STRATEGY - WET WOODLAND PATHWAY Complete access renovation, this walkway provides a route from the wetland and Visitor Interpretation Centre to the Weir and lock keepers cottage, thus providing further opportunities to draw people into the site and create amenity for the public. The pathway will be used for walking, cycling. And will be suitable for people with disabilities and the visually impaired. The pathway would be made up of boardwalks where the ground is to wet or muddy to walk on and a gravel/dirt pathway made from a granular sub base which will result in a pathway that is dry underfoot and forms a very pleasant walk and ride through the woodland.
Example of boardwalk pathway Example of gravel/dirt pathway
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7.1 VEGETATION STRATERGY - RIPARIAN MARGIN AND FLOATING WETLAND Riparian Margins - Act as an interface between the land and the river system. They will act as buffer strips to slow down flood flows and help to strengthen and protect the river banks. Riparian Margin will provide increased diversity along the waters edge, and create a wildlife corridor connecting to adjacent habitats. The margins must be protected from grazing cattle. Plant groups will be made up 2-3 tree species and 4-5 shrub species. This will help create structural diversity. RIPARIAN MARGIN
Crack willow Alder Yellow flag iris Wild angelica Bramble Arrow arum Duck Potato Blue flag iris Blue vernain Bonset/Thorough wort Bur reed Cardinal flower Broad leaf cattail
Salix fragilis Alnus glutinosa Iris pseudacorus Angelica sylvestris Rubus fruticosus Peltandra virginica Sagittaria spp. Iris versicdour Verberia hastata Eupatorium perfoliat Sparganium eurycarpum Labelia cardinalis Typha latifolia
Common reed Jewel weed Purple loosetrife Reed canary grass Soft stemmed bulrush Three way sedge Wool grass
Phragmites australis Impatiens capensis Pontedania cordatia Phalaris arundinacea Scirpus validus Dulichium arundinaceum Scirpus cyperinus
Floating Wetland - Quay side will have a floating wetland running along side it. This will create something unique for Quay side and Gloucester. The floating wetland will attract many species of wildlife and provide a habitat for fish and eels to spawn. The wetland will act as a natural filter, improving water quality by removing excess nutrients. It will also form part of the wildlife corridor. FLOATING WETLAND Floating heart Watershield Yellow water lily Autumn Sedge Swamp Sedge Giant umbrella sedge Sharp spike sedge Edgar’s rush softstem bulrush
Nyphoides cordata Brasenia schreberi Nuphar variegata Carex dipsacea Carex Virgata Cyperus ustulatus Eleocharis acuta Juncus edgariae Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
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7.2 VEGETATION STRATERGY - WETLAND MEADOW Open space to be provided for public amenity. Muti-use area. During the summer months in its mown state, the meadow would become a space into which different activities and events could be programmed such as festivals and markets etc. The Meadow will also be used as grazing land for the Gloucester Cow. Lowland meadow grassland which is subjected to periodical flooding. Maintain and enhance existing marshy grassland and create a high floral diversity which will help increase wildlife diversity such as birds and invertebrate. The wetland meadow will use existing species found in the site, but it will have more wild flowers introduced, this will enrich the existing habitats and create new habitats for wildlife, The visual amenity will also be improved GRASSES Common Bent Meadow Foxtail Sweet Vernal-grass Crested Dogstail Tufted Hair-grass Red Fescue
Agrostis capillaris Alopecurus pratensis Anthoxanthum odoratum Cynosurus cristatus Deschampsia cespitosa Festuca rubra
WILD FLOWERS Yarrow Betony Common Knapweed Meadowsweet Lady’s Bedstraw Oxeye Daisy Greater Birdsfoot Trefoil Ribwort Plantain Cowslip Selfheal Meadow Buttercup Yellow Rattle Common Sorrel Great Burnet Pepper Saxifrage Ragged Robin Devil’s-bit Scabious Tufted Vetch Great burnett Red clover Amphibious bistort Ox-eye daisy
Achillea millefolium Betonica officinalis Centaurea nigra Filipendula ulmaria Galium verum Leucanthemum vulgare Lotus pedunculatus Plantago lanceolata Primula veris Prunella vulgaris Ranunculus acris Rhinanthus minor Rumex acetosa Sanguisorba officinalis Silaum silaus Silene flos-cuculi Succisa pratensis Vicia cracca Sanguisorba officinalis Trifolium pratense Persicaria amphibia Leucanthemum vulgare
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7.3 VEGETATION STRATERGY - DRY WOODLAND The presence of trees and associated woody debris on floodplains increases the hydraulic roughness, thus slowing down flood flows and enhancing flood storage. Strategically placed floodplain woodland will alleviate downstream flooding. It offers a means of tackling the increased flood risk associated with climate change. The increasing cost of providing adequate hard-engineered defences, combined with their low ecological and aesthetic value has lead to greater attention being given to the use of alternative, softer engineering techniques. This is based on the principle of impending run off from the land, river flows and Severn Bore following extreme rainfall by proving areas of semi-permanent wetland and permanent wetland to store flood water and delay the downstream passage of the flood peak onto Castle Meads/Alney Island. In addition to the potential advantages for flood control, floodplain woodland offers a wide range of other benefits including improvements to water quality, nature conservation, recreation and landscape. Natural floodplain woodland represents a very valuable, essentially lost habitat in England. By having a variety of floodplain woodland habitats, and increasing the number of trees on Castle Meads/Alney island Nature Reserve they will help with flood control on the site and the threat floods currently pose on Gloucester City. This is also key to the idea of having a sustainable site.
DRY WOODLAND American horn beam Black Birch Ash Leaved Maple Eastern cottonwood Green Ash Red maple Silver maple Swamp white oak Sycamore White ash Yellow Birch
Carpinus carolinana Betual Lenta Acer negundo Populus deltoides Fraxinus pennsylvanica Acer rubrum Acer saccharinium Quercus bicolor Plantanus occidentalis Fraxinus americana Betula lenta
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7.4 VEGETATION STRATERGY - WET WOODLAND Wet woodland are associated with floodplains Maintain and extend the existing wet woodland habitats, retain areas of un-managed willows and deadwood, and increase diversity of woodland ground flora. This will create different habitat stages and increase the all-round species diversity of the area. The wet woodland will encourage natural regeneration of native species and will maintain a diverse age structure of trees. The wet woodland will create a mosaic of sub-habitats such as bare mud, level moss-covered areas and higher areas for retreat. Thus this habitat will create something exciting for visitors as they traverse the site during different times of the year such as seasons and rainfall due to the dynamics of wet woodland always changing. TREES Alder Greater tussock sedge Crack willow Marsh marigold Black Poplar Common osier Grey willow Marsh fern Swamp white oak Sycamore White ash Yellow Birch
Alnus glutinosa Carex paniculata Salix fragilis Caltha palustris Populus nigra Salix viminalis Salix cinerea Thelypteris palustris Quercus bicolor Plantanus occidentalis Fraxinus americana Betula lenta
Grasses Common Bent Sweet Vernal-grass False Brome Crested Dogstail Tufted Hair-grass Slender-creeping Red-fescue
Agrostis capillaris Anthoxanthum odoratum Brachypodium sylvaticum Cynosurus cristatus Deschampsia cespitosa Festuca rubra
Under cover Ostrich fern Royal fern Nothern arrow wood Button bush Elder berry Highbush blueberry Maleberry
Pteretis pensylvanica Osamunda regalis Viburnum recognitum Cephalanthus occidentalis Sambucus canadensis Vaccinium corymbosum Lynoia ligustina
Wild Flowers Garlic Mustard Ramsons Wild Angelica Betony Nettle-leaved Bellflower Foxglove Meadowsweet Hedge Bedstraw Wood Avens Bluebell Selfheal Red Campion Ragged Robin Hedge Woundwort Wood Sage
Alliaria petiolata Allium ursinum Angelica sylvestris Betonica officinalis Campanula trachelium Digitalis purpurea Filipendula ulmaria Galium album Geum urbanum Hyacinthoides non-scripta Prunella vulgaris Silene dioica Silene flos-cuculi Stachys sylvatica Teucrium scorodonia
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7.5 VEGETATION STRATERGY - WETLAND Extend and enhance existing wetland areas such as swamps and marshes, and develop the reed-bed areas which in turn be able to hold a much larger body of water. The wetland will become a key wildlife habitat and will be an important site for forage/nesting for migrant water/ wading bird species. The wetland will form an interlinked mosaic of habitats such as: • Damp and dry zones • Open water • Marginal (mud/water interface) • Grassland • Scrub Aquatics Water-plantain Spiked water-milfoil Reed sweet-grass Shining pondweed Common clubrush Branched bur-reed Lesser bulrush Broad–leaved pond weed
Alisma plantago-aquatica Myriophyllum spicatum Glyceria maxima Potamogeton lucens Schoenoplectus lacustris Sparganium erectum Typha angustifolia Potamogeton natans
Dry Zone Hairy sedge Tufted hair grass Red fescue Meadow sweet Meadow vetch Ribwort plantain Silverweed Common sorrel
Carex hirta Deschampsia caespitosa Festuca rubra Filipendula ulmaria Lathyrus pratensis Plantago lanceolata Potentilla anserina Rumex acetosa
Damp Zone Wild angelica Fool’s-water-cress Marsh marigold Cuckoo flower Greater bird’s-foot trefoil Purple loosestrife Water mint Water forget-me-not
Angelica sylvestris Apium nodiflorum Caltha palustris Cardamine pratensis Lotus uliginosus Lythrum salicaria Mentha aquatica Myosotis laxa-cespitosa
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8.1 ENERGY STRATERGY - WIND TURBINES As part of my aim in creating a sustainable design/development. Looking into the idea of having a small wind farm in Gloucester would be beneficial to this scheme. The site currently has a small wind turbine. During investigations for this small turbine, it become clear that this area could accommodate much larger turbines. The area is open and gets a good flow of wind, especially from the prevailing south westerly direction. It is also a long way from housing and has good access to the electricity grid connections. The green energy produced would make a major contribution to “carbon savings� and reduce greenhouse gases. It would also represent a high profile and symbolic renewable energy project which would be great for Gloucester City.
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9 HYDROLOGY STRATERGY The Castle Meads/Alney Nature reserve will maintain its existing flow of water throughout the site. Flooding and movement of water Landforms - With the introduction of landforms throughout the site which are indicative of the movement of water, and are designed to not only manipulate peoples movement through the site but also the movement of water. They are designed to slow the movement of water will flow down the site and around them into areas such as the wetland and wet woodland or into the river which can hold large bodies of water thus helping with flood alleviation. Increased tree and plant populations - By increasing the populations of tree and plant species will increase the hydraulic roughness, thus slowing down flood flows and enhancing flood storage. Strategically placed floodplain woodland will alleviate downstream flooding and the threat floods currently pose on Gloucester City. Enhancing/extending wetland, wet woodland and wetland meadow habitats - By extending and enhancing these habitats they will be able to hold much larger bodies of water than what the site is currently able to do therefore helping in further flood alleviation on the site. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems With the car park increasing in size there will be a larger area of impermeable surface therefore resulting in increased water runoff. This runoff will be treated through a variety of SUDS such as rain gardens and swales, any excess runoff from the car park and Castle Meads Way (A430) will be treated on site in the wetland areas.
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10 SUSTAINABILITY The aim for this design is to create a site that is all about sustainable design and development.
49 • Assist with achieving credits under BREEAM • Can also save money on a larger basis, such as reducing the for expensive flood defences further downstream.
To achieve this the design has many elements involved: Riparian Margins - Instead of using hard engineering techniques to protect banks the site will use riparian margins that act as buffer strips to not only slow down flood flows but they will also help to strengthen and protect the river banks. They will also provide increased bio diversity at the waters edge and better amenity. Floating Wetland - The wetland will act as a natural filter, improving water quality by removing excess nutrients. It will also provide a habitat for fish and eels to spawn which will result in a raised species richness. Planting - Strategically placed floodplain woodland will alleviate downstream flooding. With the increasing cost of providing adequate hard-engineered defences, combined with their low ecological and aesthetic value has lead to greater attention being given to the use of alternative, softer engineering techniques, these also result in a more effective and sustainable treatment of water. SUDS - The Car Park and Castle Meads Way (A430) runoff will be treated by sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) the benefits of these are: • They protect development as well as areas further downstream from flooding as runoff is slowed down through attenuation and storage. • Protect watercourses and groundwater from pollution by treating runoff through the use of SUDS components. • They improve biodiversity, recharge groundwater, and maintain flow regime. • Can be cheaper to construct as soft SUDS involve mainly shallow earthworks rather than deep excavations for pipe work. • Create attractive landscape features & make efficient use of amenity space
Wind farm - Having a wind farm on site for renewable energy is key to the sites sustainability aims. The green energy produced would make a major contribution to “carbon savings” and reduce greenhouse gases. It would also represent a high profile and symbolic renewable energy project which would be good for Gloucester City. Gloucester Cattle Management Scheme - Through the use of the Gloucester Cattle on site as part of a management scheme they are able to economically manage the type and abundance of plants. Also the Gloucester breed of cattle, with its distinctive white spinal stripe, almost died out in the 1970s, after being a familiar sight in the Severn Vale for centuries. It has been revived by breed enthusiasts anxious to preserve bio diversity for the future. Cut and Fill - Any cutting of land from the landscape to create larger wetland areas will be used in the creation of the landforms.
11 MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE Castle Meads and Alney Island are currently managed and maintained by the Gloucester City Council’s Countryside Unit. Also The Friends of Alney Island hold a work event on the 3rd Friday of each month to assist with the management of the site. With the site being developed the Countryside Unit team will need to increase, to ensure sufficient maintenance of the site. All management and maintenance will encourage natural regeneration of native species, and help prevent scrub encroachment into important areas. The currently has about 30 Gloucester cattle grazing the land to help with maintenance. With the development of the site the number of cattle will be substantially increased. The cattle will be used throughout the site depending on what areas need to managed and when. The cows will be managed through temporary electric fencing to avoid key plants species from being eaten, and the cows from getting to close to deep water bodies and the rivers edge. Management of the wetland meadow • Spring - No grazing • Mid summer - cut hay (allow plants to flower and set seeds) • Late summer/early autumn - Grazed by cattle this will help create tussocky swards, micro-climates and bare soil areas
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CASTLE MEADS/ALNEY ISLAND
Amanda Tisdall S1208746
V
N 1:1000
GATEWAY TO THE COUNTRYSIDE Aim - To create a series of design interventions that will visually connect you through the site. By drawing people to the waters edge. Creating natural and physical links uniting Gloucester City with the Docks, Quay side, Castle Meads, and Alney Island. I want to create a site that is all about sustainable design and development.
Quay side - is a very important part of the site as it is one of the key locations in connecting Gloucester City with Alney Island. I want to draw people to the waters edge and get people as close as possible to it. Through the use of steps and a public footbridge that go into the water this can be achieved.
Pedestrian bridge - across form the Old Customs House creating a direct link into the site form Gloucester town centre. The bridge is designed with ramps going down into the water so people can dock small boats or kayaks. It will also provide people the opportunity to get up close with the waters edge.
Wetland - The wetland will create an opportunity for increased biodiversity and new habitats for flora and fauna. By enhancing the wetland it will help with flood alleviation and management. The wetland will also provide new amenity for Gloucester City and opportunities for people to interact with their environment through passive recreation.
Quay Steps - These have been redesigned with a series of terraced steps that start form from road level and go down into the water, these will provide further access onto the Quay side walkway. The steps into the water also provide another opportunity for people to get up close to the waters edge. Both the pedestrian bridge and steps deal with the dynamic and fluctuating water levels of Quay side.
Wet Woodland walkway -
Complete access renovation, this walkway provides a route from the wetland and Visitor Interpretation Centre to the Weir and lock keepers cottage, thus providing further opportunities to draw people into the site and create amenity for the public.
Wind Farm - As part of my aim in creating a sustainable design/ development. Looking into the idea of having a small wind farm in Gloucester would beneficial to this scheme. The site currently has a small wind turbine. During investigations for this small turbine, it has become clear that this area could accomodate much larger turbines. The green energy produced would make a major contribution to “carbon savings” and reduce greenhouse gases. It would also represent a high profile and symbolic renewable energy project which would be good for Gloucester City.
The Quay Road -
will become a shared space street, allowing better access into Castle Meads and the Gloucester Docks.
Floating Wetland - Quay side will also have a floating wetland running along side it. This will create something unique for Quay side and Gloucester. The floating wetland will attract many species of wildlife and provide a habitat for fish and eels to spawn. The wetland will act as a natural filter, improving water quality by removing excess nutrients. Wetland Meadow - open space to be provided for public amenity. Muti-use area. Could be used for festivals, markets and grazing land for the Gloucester Cow etc.
Riparian Edge - Increase diversity along the waters edge through the use of riparian margins, these will also strengthen and protect the river banks.
Pedestrian Bridge - Gateway to the countryside. The proposed new pedestrian bridge will provide a direct route from the Gloucester docks to the carpark, and the Visitor Interpreatation Centre. The bridge will also give people unique views of Castle Meads/Alney Island as it meanders over the site.
Management - The Gloucester cattle will be used for the management of the Castle Meads/ Alney Island Nature Reserve as they are a particularly hardy and docile breed suitable for all the year round grazing. Grazing at the right time and amount can cause undesirable plants to decrease and preferred plants to increase. They will be used throughout the site depending on what areas need to managed and when. Thus the nature reserve can economically manage the type and abundance of plants. This will be key in sustainable management of the reserve. The cows will be managed through temporary electric fencing.
Desired routes through site -
Proposed pedestrian bridges
Wetland Walkway
Wet woodland walkway
These lines just show the possible routes that people can take through the site. The aim of the this design is to create a series of interventions that will visually connect you through the site. This has been achived through the use of landforms and different habitats/vegetation as you move throughout the site. People can move from the Castle Meads to Alney Island through the drain tunnels that run under Castle Meads Way.
Desired route through site
Landforms
Wetland
Wet Woodland
Dry Woodland
Wetland Meadow
Riparian Edge
visitors will experience different habitats. The North part of the site is Dry woodland and as you move down the site you will move into wet woodland, and wetland habitats. To the east of the site is wetland meadow and riparian buffers along the rivers edge.This provides an opportunity for increaded biodiversity throughout the site with the introduction of more tree and plant species. This can also help with flood allevation and management, by controlling what areas are wet and dry.
Car Park
Habitats - Moving from North to south through the site
located on both the eastern and western side of Castle Meads Way (A430). By having the carpark on both the eastern and western side, people will be able to access the the site easier from the A430. The visitor interpretation centre is located on the western side side of the site, therefore carpark access on the western side for people going to the visitor interpreation centre or other parts of the site is vital. Visitor Interpreation Centre
Car Park - The car park has been redesigned so it now
Lock Keepers Cottage
Visitor Interpretation Centre - The purpose of the Visitor Interpretation Centre is to educate and raise awareness about flooding, sustainability, and habitat biodiversity for now and in the future. The VIC is located within the enhanced wetland, and is designed to be accessable during times of flood, thus providing people with a unique opportunity to interact with the site during flood. The VIC will be the start point of the site for people visiting Castle meads/Alney Island and provide crucial links to other areas of the site, the Gloucester Docks, Quay Side and Gloucester City.
Landforms - The landforms are indicative of the movement of water. They are designed to manipulate people’s movement through Castle Meads across to Alney Island by manipulating peoples views and perspective. They will also provide Glimpsed views of Gloucester and Gloucester Cathedral as people move through Castle Meads. The Landforms can be climbed on to elevate people’s view over the site and Gloucester City. They can also provide areas of separation for festivals/events to be held, and areas of different habitat. The landforms do not effect the flow of water through the site when there is flood, they are designed so the water flows around them, down the site or into the river. During flood times the landforms will always sit above the water level thus creating a unique view into the site from the Quay side
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