Il Bosco Mangericcio - Politecnico di Milano

IL BOSCO Mangericcio

Site & Context Analysis

This booklet is produced a summary of the extensive research and planning which has informed the design of the Bosco Mangericcio.

The booklet is a culmination of the work of Ellie Jones, Johanna Friedrich, Luisa Klocke, Lara Herkommer, Zahin Chowdhury & Ally Molachino.

SITE ANALYSIS

SITE ANALYSIS.

Site Location & Land Use

Site Location & Land Use

The site is situated in the north-east of Milan in the commune of Cernusco sul Naviglio. The suburb is divided by open greenspace, which runs alongside the M2 train-line and separates residential areas from industrial and commercial activity. Residential homes are located in close proximity to a range of greenspaces and public buildings. In contrast, open spaces in the industrial area of the commune are predominantly used for parking, resulting in a low level of permeable surfaces and vegetation.

The site is situated in the north-east of Milan in the commune of Cernusco sul Naviglio. The suburb is divided by open greenspace, which runs alongside the M2 trainline and separates residential areas from industrial and commercial activity. Residential homes are located in close proximity to a range of greenspaces and public buildings. In contrast, open spaces in the industrial area of the commune are predominantly used for parking, resulting in a low level of permeable surfaces and vegetation.

The site is located along the border of the industrial and commercial area, alongside the train-line and major road, resulting in a low level of accessibility. Access to the site is only possible from the southern and western edges.

The site is located along the border of the industrial and commercial area, alongside the trainline and major road, resulting in a low level of accessibility. Access to the site is only possible from the southern and western edges.

SITE ANALYSIS.

Contextual Urban Green-space.

Existing Greenspaces

Cernusco sul Naviglio is on the border between highly urban areas of Milan and the more suburban perimeter areas. It is in the north east of the Milan Metropolitan Area. As a result on first impression the area feels fairly green especially in comparison to the denser urban city centre.

The majority of green coverage is used for agricultural purposes, growing fruit and vegetables as well as crops, the land is used for plant based rather than animal based farming.

Alongside agricultural fields there is a local park which runs to the south of the town alongside the Canal. The park is connected by a canal side pathway and features play spaces, exercise spaces and spaces for relaxing and sitting.

There are also a number of illegal allotments to the east and west on vacant land spaces.

Challenges and Constraints.

site boundary

agricultural land forests/ larger tree cover public allotments public parks and sports parks canals/ waterway pathway connecting green spaces

Existing Challenges

The site faces a number of key constraints and challenges, primarily pedestrian access and linking the space to the towns of Cernusco sur Navilgio and Cassina de’ Pecchi. The site is bordered by two impermeable edges - the metro line and the overhead highway. These two boundaries make the site difficult to access by foot and provide a challenge with connecting the space to the green spaces on the other side of the canal.

The site is also situated in an industrial area and there is a challenge presented in making the space attractive and buffering the views towards the industrial buildings, rail line and especially the highway.

The site is better accessed from Cassina de’ Pecchi by foot but the only route from Cernusco sur Naviglio is alongside the main road and down a stair case to the west of the site making it difficult to access and an unsafe and unattractive journey.

site boundary

other more accessible green space views over industrial areas (6) main road to the east existing route to the other green spaces (7)

metro line with no crossing points (8) stairs up to main road (5)

Parco Azzurro dei Germani Allotments Parco Fitness

More dense area of trees

SITE ANALYSIS. Environmental Analysis.

Vehicle Bypass Neighbouring Agriculture

1 2 Railway Line

Environmental Conditions 4

The environmental context of Cernusco sul Naviglio and its effect on the site may influence the design proposal. The area receives predominant prevailing winds from the north, with secondary breezes from the north-east and south-west. The relevant sun paths could create shading issues from neighbouring buildings throughout the year, affecting the level of sun exposure to new planting.

3 On-site Sewer Line

4

The climate in Cernusco sul Naviglio is warm temperate, with an average annual temperate of 13°C. The temperate can drop to as low as 1°C in the winter months, and can reach a top of 29°C in the summer months (World Weather Online, 2023).

UV Index

The maximum UV index in Cernusco sul Naviglio is 6 in the summer months, increasing from a minimum of 2 in winter, plateauing bimonthly from January, before gradually declining again between July and December (World Weather Online, 2023).

Rainfall

Cernusco sul Naviglio sees significant rainfall throughout the year, even in the drier months. Averaging between 5 and 10 rainfall days each month, the average annual rainfall is 1162mm with May, September and November receiving the highest precipitation (World Weather Online, 2023).

Temperature Wind

The summer months in Cernusco sul Naviglio receive the strongest winds, with an average speed of around 6km/h, and average gust of between 12 and 14km/h (World Weather Online, 2023).

January 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Temperature (°C) Average High Temp (°C)Average Low Temp (°C) February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Average Temperature (°C) January 2 3 4 5 6 7 UV Index Average UV February Mar ch April May June July August Average UV Index January 0 0 20 40 60 80 120 100 5 10 15 20 25 30 140 35 Precipitation (mm) Rainfall Days Average Rainfall (mm)Average Rainfall Days February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Rainfall Averages January 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Wind Speed (km/h) Average Wind (km/h)Max Wind (km/h)Average February Mar ch April May June July August Wind Averages (km/h) 9 2 14 5 18 8 22 22 27 17 29 19 29 19 24 15 18 11 12 8 2 3 5 2 January 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Temperature (°C) Average High Temp (°C)Average Low Temp (°C) February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Average Temperature (°C) January 3 4 6 UV Index Average UV February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Average UV Index January 0 0 20 40 60 80 120 100 5 10 15 20 25 30 140 35 Precipitation (mm) Rainfall Days Average Rainfall (mm)Average Rainfall Days February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Rainfall Averages January 4 6 8 10 12 14 Wind Speed (km/h) Average Wind (km/h)Max Wind (km/h)Average Gust (km/h) February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Wind Averages (km/h) 7 9 2 14 18 22 22 27 17 29 19 29 19 24 15 18 11 12 6 8 2 3 4 4 4 6 6 2 January 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Temperature (°C) Average High Temp (°C)Average Low Temp (°C) February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Average Temperature (°C) January 3 4 6 UV Index Average UV February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Average UV Index January 0 0 20 40 60 80 120 100 5 10 15 20 25 30 140 35 Precipitation (mm) Rainfall Days Average Rainfall (mm)Average Rainfall Days February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Rainfall Averages January 4 6 8 10 12 14 Wind Speed (km/h) Average Wind (km/h)Max Wind (km/h)Average Gust (km/h) February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Wind Averages (km/h) 7 9 2 14 18 22 22 27 17 29 19 29 19 24 15 18 11 12 6 8 2 3 4 4 4 6 6 2 January 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Temperature (°C) Average High Temp (°C)Average Low Temp (°C) February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Average Temperature (°C) January 2 3 4 5 6 7 UV Index Average UV February Mar ch April May June July August Average UV Index January 0 0 20 40 60 80 120 100 5 10 15 20 25 30 140 35 Precipitation (mm) Rainfall Days Average Rainfall (mm)Average Rainfall Days February Mar ch April May June July August September October November December Rainfall Averages January 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Wind Speed (km/h) Average Wind (km/h)Max Wind (km/h)Average February Mar ch April May June July August Wind Averages (km/h) 9 2 14 5 18 8 22 22 27 17 29 19 29 19 24 15 18 11 12 8 2 3 5 2

SITE ANALYSIS.

North + east direction.

Accessibility from Back-entrance

North and East Views

Looking North the railway and dual carriageway overhead are very visible. It will be important to improve the feeling of being in the forest to include taller trees with evergreen fuller foliage in order to act as a visual and acoustic barrier to the train line and road.

Looking East the full length of the site can be seen, this will be the main entrance point to the site and so it key this elevation is both welcoming, rich in colour and with some gaps in the foliage to allow glimpses into the site.

Bridge Train Fend wood Dry bush + trees

Asphalt Central tree

SITE ANALYSIS. South + west direction.

South and West Views

Looking West the overpass of the main road is again very distinct and visible. There is an opportunity to use the blank face of the concrete wall as a space for a mural associated with the forest which will bring some colour and vibrancy to the area and advertise the adjacent forest to passers-by or passengers of the metro.

Looking west, the adjacent industrial office building is visible. This provides a visual eyesore on the sight and efforts to include some taller trees should be done. These trees however should be tall with lower foliage in order to prevent blocking southern sunlight onto the site.

Lively trees

Big green area Accessibility from bridge Neighbouring houses farming Neighbouring houses office

Street lamps Fend steel

SITE ANALYSIS. Existing Tree Survey.

1. Prunus mahaleb

The mahaleb cherry, is a species of cherry tree.

2. Prunus cerasifera

The cherry plum and myrobalan plum. It is native to Southeast Europeand Western Asia,and is naturalised in the British Isles and scattered locations in North America.

3. Robinia pseudoacacia

Commonly known in its native territory as black locust, is a medium-sized hardwood deciduous tree, belonging to the tribe Robinieae of the legume family Fabaceae

4. Sambucus

Is a genus of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae. The various species are commonly referred to as elder, elderflower or elderberry.

5. Prunus cerasifera

Is a species of plum known by the common names cherryplum and myrobalan plum.

6. Coccoloba diversifolia

Known as pigeonplum or tietongue, is a species of the genus Coccoloba.

7. Hedera

Commonly called ivy (plural ivies), is a genus of 12–15 species of evergreen climbing or ground-creeping woody plants in the family Araliaceae.

8. Blackberry

The blackberry is an edible fruit produced by many species in the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae.

9. Skunkbush

10. Morus

Golden mulberry, a genus of flowering plants in the family Moraceae, consists of diverse species of deciduous trees commonly known as mulberries, growing wild and under cultivation in many temperate world regions.

11. Broussonetia papyrifera

The paper mulberry is a species flowering plant in the family Moraceae.

12. Ash tree

Fraxinus commonly called ash, is a genus of plants in the olive and lilac family, Oleaceae.

1. Cherry tree

2. Cherry Plum

3. Black locust

4. Elder tree

5. Plum 6. Pigeon plum

7. Ivy tree

8. Black berry

10. Golden mulberry

10. Golden mulberry

11. Paper mulberry

12. Ash tree

The mahaleb cherry, is a species of cherry tree.

Is a species of plum known by the common names cherry plum and myrobalan plum.

The cherry plum and myrobalan plum. It is native to Southeast Europeand Western Asia,and is naturalised in the British Isles and scattered locations in North America.

Known as pigeonplum or tietongue, is a species of the genus Coccoloba.

Golden mulberry, a genus of flowering plants in the family Moraceae, consists of diverse species of deciduous trees commonly known as mulberries, growing wild and under cultivation in many temperate world regions.[

Commonly known in its native territory as black locust, is a medium-sized hardwood deciduous tree, belonging to the tribe Robinieae of the legume family Fabaceae

Commonly called ivy (plural ivies), is a genus of 12–15 species of evergreen climbing or ground-creeping woody plants in the family Araliaceae

The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, syn. Morus papyrifera L.) is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae.

Is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. The various species are commonly referred to as elder, elderflower or elderberry.

The blackberry is an edible fruit produced by many species in the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae.

Fraxinus commonly called ash, is a genus of plants in the olive and lilac family, Oleaceae.

1. Prunus mahaleb

5. Prunus cerasifera

9. Skunkbush

6. Coccoloba diversifolia

10. Morus

7. Hedera

11. Paper mulberry

8. Blackberry

12. Ash tree

2. Prunus cerasifera

3. Robinia pseudoacacia

4. Sambucus

EXISTING FLORA ANALYSIS. Species, areas and diversity. SITE ANALYSIS. Existing Tree Survey.

SITE ANALYSIS.

Species, areas and diversity.

Groups of Ground plantings

Normal Lawn Un-trimmed

Leymus racemosus

Lathyrus sativus

General Green Meadow

Alfalfa

Plantago rugeli

Horseweed

Geranium molle

Weeded Area by Roadside

Veronica persica

Shepherd’s purse

Common stork’s-bill

Greater chickweed

Common groundsel

Annual bluegrass

Bitter Dock

Weeded Area in the Field

Common dandelion

Common groundsel

Red deadnettle

Common daisy

White clover

SCHAFSGARN

Ditch

Deadwood

Asphalt with small green strips

SITE ANALYSIS.

Species, areas and diversity.

Groups of Ground plantings

Normal Lawn Un-trimmed

Leymus racemosus

Lathyrus sativus

General Green Meadow

Alfalfa

Plantago rugeli

Horseweed

Geranium molle

Weeded Area by Roadside

Veronica persica

Shepherd’s purse

Common stork’s-bill

Greater chickweed

Common groundsel

Annual bluegrass

Bitter Dock

Weeded Area in the Field

Common dandelion

Common groundsel

Red deadnettle

Common daisy

White clover

SCHAFSGARN

Ditch

Deadwood

Asphalt with small green strips

Individual Plant

Brassica barrelieri

Individual Plant

Myrtlei

Individual Plant

Annual bluegrass

Individual Plant

Common ivy

Individual Plant

Red deadnettle

Normal Lawn Un-trimmed

Ditch

3 Annual Blue Grass

General Green Meadow

Deadwood

4 Common Ivy

Weeded Area by Roadside

1 Brassica barrelieri

5 Red Dead Nettle

Weeded Area in Field

2 Myrtlei

Asphalt with small Green Strips

SITE ANALYSIS.

Power lines and drains.

Water and electricity infrastructure

Sewer line

Water pipe

Control shaft sewage pipe

Gully cover

Electricity line (underground)

Power line (or underground)

Street light

Power box

Automatic barrier

SITE ANALYSIS.

Power lines and drains.

Gully cover Control shaft sewage

Street light Control for barrier

The infrastructure for electricity, water and traffic can be found in the area of the parking lot. It is conceivable to use sewers, drinking water and electricity through the connection of the parking lot for the U-Forest project. The facilities such as barrier, street lights and signs appear well maintained and are in good condition.

pipe

Infrastructure

Barrier Height control Power box

What

RESEARCH & CONCEPT.

.Ecosystems Study.

What ecosystem types are suitable for the site?

Terrestrial - Forest Ecosystem

Deciduous

The Deciduous Forest Ecosystem - An overview

The Deciduous Forest Ecosystem is characterised by broad-leaved trees that shed their foliage during winter, and generally thrive on gray-brown and brown podzols. The implementation of deciduous trees has several urban forestry benefits, including introducing biodiversity into an area.

This ecosystem can be divided into four primary layers; the ground layer, where decomposers in the soil such as bacteria, fungi and worms, produce nutrients and fuel trophic relationships, the under-story layer, characterised by small mammals that are primary consumers, and the canopy layer, which hosts other birds and insects (The Registry of Nature Habitats, 2023).

The food forest can utilise the biodiversity promoted within the canopy and under-story layers of the deciduous forest ecosystem. The deciduous forest could act as the primary ecosystem on site, working in conjunction with the wildflower meadow and lentic ecosystem by providing litterfall to fuel trophic relationships and increase biodiversity.

• Due to significant canopy cover and shading, the trees in both the canopy and under-story layers may need to be stepped in relation to ground planting, in order to allow sufficient sunlight to all planting and ensure the efficiency of the ecosystem.

Key takeaways for food forestry:

Wildflower Meadow

There has been a renewed interest in Wildflower Ecosystems in recent years, due to growing concerns surrounding biodiversity protection and augmentation. Wildflower meadows thrive on nutrient-poor and waterlogged soil, as there are less opportunities for other faster-growing, nutrient dependant grasses to grow and smother the field. This system hosts a diverse range of animal species, and is a particularly compatible habitat for pollinators.

This ecosystem can be divided into four primary layers; the soil layer and litter layer, where the most nutrient and trophic production takes place, as well as the leaves and stems later and the blossom layer, where consumption occurs and pollinators thrive (Forest Research, 2023).

• An extensive wildflower meadow may not be appropriate from a food forestry perspective, given the size of the site, but meadow style planting could be intermittently implemented to provide a habitat for pollinators.

The wildflower meadow thrives on depraved and waterlogged soil, which makes it a suitable ecosystem for the brownfield site.

• The incorporation of flowering, edible species for ground cover, within the litter layer of the meadow ecosystem, could facilitate subsequent biodiversity within the leaves and stems and blossom layers, also encouraging a sustainable habitat for pollinators.

• However, the mitigation of pest infiltration is also an important measure to be considered when promoting biodiversity.

The Lentic Ecosystem - An overview

The Lentic Aquatic Ecosystem refers to standing water sources such as ponds and lakes, that gain most of their energy through photosynthesis performed by algae and aquatic plants, often occurring in only the first few millimetres of the pelagic zone. The ecological efficiency and biodiversity of the ecosystem increases with the increased surface area of the pond, and generally decreases with depth, due to light attenuation.

This ecosystem can be divided into three primary zones, characterised by the benthic (pond floor) zone and pelagic (water channel) zone. The littoral zone is the shallow-most part of the pond, where the majority of inter-system relationships occur as well as connections to other terrestrial ecosystems. The limnetic zone is the open water body that exists closest to the surface, while the profundal zone defines the zone that occurs in the depths of the water body (Bionity, 2023).

Key takeaways for food forestry:

• While the lentic ecosystem encourages significant biodiversity, it may not be appropriate for the food forest model, given the limited area of the site and the need to maximise food production.

• Biodiversity within the ecosystem increases with the increased surface area of the water body, and relies on consistent access to sunlight, meaning a relatively extensive pool would need to be provided, and positioned in a way where it is not affected by shade.

Bacteria in this system obtain their energy from the decomposition of litterfall and dead organisms that occurs in the littoral zone which, given the positioning next to maintained garden beds, may not occur.

• The lentic ecosystem could be implemented in future projects on larger sites, perhaps as a means of irrigation.

The Wildflower Meadow Ecosystem - An overview

RESEARCH & CONCEPT.

What is a Food Forest?

What is Food Forest?

A food forest, also called a forest garden, is a diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. Food forests are three dimensional designs, with life extending in all directions – up, down, and out.

Generally, we recognize seven layers of a forest garden – the overstory, the under-story, the shrub layer, the herbaceous layer, the root layer, the ground cover layer, and the vine layer. Some also like to recognize the mycelial layer, layer eight (mushrooms). Using these layers, we can fit more plants in an area without causing failure due to competition.

Founded in 2020 in Parco Nord in Milan.

The Food Forest is a project born from the collaboration between the public institution Parco Nord Milano and Etifor a spin-off of the University of Padua, dedicated to the development of services and products for the enhancement of nature.

The Food Forest in Parco Nord in Milan will contain 2000 plants, including fruit, woody and medicinal trees and shrubs that can be adopted by citizens. They are planted according to seasons.

The species selected for the project are all native or well integrated into the area: Jujube Pomegranate Mulberry Japanese Goumi, Azarole Medlar Dog Rose, Hawthorn, Sea Buckthorn, Fig,Elderberry Sloe Wild Pear , Cherry, Crab Apple, Linden, Oak, Dogwood Hornbeam, Ash Hazel, Maple.

SEVEN layers of a Food Forest

Layer1// Thecanopylayerincludes thetallesttrees,usually over9meters.Timber trees,nut-producingtrees, ornitrogen-fixingtrees maybeincludedinthis layer..

Layer2// Thelayerofsmalltrees includestreesbetween3 and9metersandmostof thefruittrees.

Layer3//

Theshrublayerincludes woodyplantsupto3 meterstall.Fruitshrubs arepartofthislayer

Layer4// Theherbaceouslayer includesprobablythe largestvarietyofplantsin thefoodforestsystem.It includesaromatic, medicinalplants,perennial vegetableandannualand biennialplants

From 2015, the field around CasciNET was a dump. In 2016 it was completely cleaned up by the NGO around CasciNET, also thanks to the voluntary contribution of the Lega Ambiente and thanks to a contribution from ACEA we were able to plant the first 40 trees, selecting old fruit varieties typical of Lombardy. Now CasciNET is a forest developed according to the principles of permaculture. Most of the plants are edible and develop a natural balance that can regenerate land and people. They provide workshops and community events to bring the local community together. They follow a philosophy of living together with nature, being able to gain resources from the land but also give back. They are currently undergoing a crowd funding project to also get chickens on the site in order to harvest eggs.

Layer5// Thecoverlayerincludes manyplantsalsoincluded inthepreviouslayerbut somehaveaparticularly highperformanceinthis role.

Layer6// Intheundergorundlayer severalplantsdevelop edible(andnon-edible) rootsystems,tubersor undergroundbulbs.They alsoareimportantforthe structuralimprovementof thesoilandits decompaction.

Layer7// Thelayerofclimbing plantsaddsproductivityon layersalreadypresentand spreadovermultiple heights.Theplantsinthis layerclimbbywrapping theirstemsortendrils aroundartificialornatural supports.

Parco Nord

Food Forest in Cascinet

Parco Nord Cascinet

Why do we need Food Forests? RESEARCH & CONCEPT.

The environmental benefits of Food Forests

Carbon Sequestration in the Food Forest.

Plants and structure from the references Food Forest in Parco Nord and Food Forest CasciNET. Both forests are built up according to the principle of permaculture. The forest grows in 7 different layers and is planted and built up gradually. The trees in the forest not only provide fruit for consumption and flowers for pollinators but also act as visual and noise barriers to the nearby road and metro line. Alongside the aesthetic quality the trees act as carbon sequesters reducing the amount of carbon pollution in the air.

Typical Trees for an north Italian Food Forest: Jujube Pomegranate Mulberry Japanese Goumi, Azarole Medlar Dog Rose, Hawthorn, Sea Buckthorn, Fig,Elderberry Sloe , Wild Pear Cherry, Crab Apple, Linden, Oak, Dogwood Hornbeam, Ash Hazel, Maple.

Contributing to reforestation - low maintenance sources of carbon sequestration

Reducing the carbon footprint of mass agriculture - local, pesticide free produce

Providing habitats for pollinators - more pollinators means more productive green spaces

Increasing biodiversity - establishing a resilient green network that reduces risk of disease

The community benefits of Food Forests

Increasing food security - establishing sustainable food production within communities

Providing access to locally sourced fresh produce - promoting healthy lifestyles

Connecting communities to and through nature - providing spaces for people to gather

Educating children and the local communityincreasing knowledge on sustainable food practices

FOREST GARDEN DESIGN CAN REDUCE INPUTS IN VARIOUS WAYS, INCLUDING:

1. placing emphasis on trees, shrubs, perennials, and self-seeding annuals,

2. planting thickly and using ground covers to shade soil and suppress weeds,

3. utilizing nitrogen-fixing and nutrient-accumulating plants, chopand-drop techniques, and returning wastes to the land to create healthy soil rather than applying fertilizer,

4. planting a diverse array of plants that attract beneficial insects to pollinate the fruit crops and keep pest populations from exploding and causing damage,

5. utilizing several ground-shaping techniques to keep rain water on the site, and

6. designing for placement of plants to create micro-climates and windbreaks..

Compared to oak trees, which are also well-known for its annual carbon storage capacity of 12.1 tonnes per ha, black locust can absorb 14% more (about 1.69 tonnes) carbon.

The mulberry tree can capture 2.1 tonnes of CO2 Carbon Emissions over its lifetime.

Maple trees capture 0.83 tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime. This number will vary depending on size and location.

The cherry blossom tree can capture 2.41 tonnes of CO2 Carbon Emissions over its lifetime. The cherry tree can capture 0.93 tonnes in comparison.

The dogwood tree is another good at absorbing carbon dioxide. It’s not as large as some other types, only growing about 25 feet tall when fully grown.

Fruit bearing trees tend to have a higher capability for absorbing carbon. The average plum tree can absorb between 10-40kg of CO2 per year.

Robinia Cherry Tree.

Mulberry. Dogwood.

Maple. Plum.

What

the demand for habitat for pollinators? RESEARCH & CONCEPT.

is

In Europe, pollinators are mainly bees and hoverflies, but also butterflies, moths, some beetles and wasps.

The domesticated western honeybee is the best-known species and is managed by beekeepers for honey production and other products. Europe also counts about 2,000 wild species, Europe hosts 10% of the worlds bees species.

Other pollinators include birds, mice and rodents, as well as people through contact and activities.

Pollinators require specific environments for nesting, pollinating and in the case of bees producing honey. Pollinator’s environments are in decline due to a number of factors (see right) and therefore the pollinator population is also in decline.

Why do we need to provide habitat for pollinators?

Few plants self-pollinate: the vast majority depend on animals, wind or water for reproduction. Although there is no scientific data currently giving a full picture of the crisis, there is considerable evidence of a decline in pollinators, due primarily to human activities. 1 in 10 bee and butterfly species is threatened with extinction in Europe.

During a vote on the new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 electors called for an urgent revision of the EU Pollinators Initiative. The revised initiative includes EU-wide pollinator monitoring framework with clear time-bound objectives and indicators and targets of reducing the use of more hazardous and chemical pesticides by 50%.

The decline does not have one single cause, but threats include

1. Land-use changes for agriculture or urbanisation, which result in the loss and degradation of natural habitats.

2. Intensive agriculture leads to homogeneous landscapes and the disappear ance of diverse flora, reducing food and nesting r esources.

3. Pesticides and other pollutants can also affect pollinators directly (insecticides and fungicides ) and indirectly (herbicides).

4. Particularly dangerous for honeybees are invasive alien species such as the y ellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) and diseases such as parasites.

5. Changing climat e with rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

1 in 3 20 % 10 %

bee and

bee and butterfly species are endemic.

Why do we need them?

80% of Crops and Wildflowers rely on pollination from bees and insects to reproduce. €15billion of the EU’s annual agricultural output is attributed to the role of pollinators.

Land use and urbanisation. Climate change and pollution.

Information sourced: European Parliment [online] [accessed 03/04/2023] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20191129STO67758/what-s-behind-the-decline-in-bees-and-other-pollinators-infographic

Bees.

Butterflies.

Rodents.

Hoverflies.

Construction material production - timber

Moths. Bio-fuels.

Mice.

Beetles. Medicines.

Who are the key pollinators in Italy?

What is needed in a habitat for pollinators? RESEARCH & CONCEPT.

What do pollinators need?

Pollinators have a variety of nesting and living environments, many species nest in dead wood, other burrow within loose soil, some live in aquatic conditions and others nest within dense vegetation. To provide an ideal environment a variety of species and ecosystem types are required including aquatic, meadow and flowering species, flowering trees, larger trees which produce sap and fruit and

flowering bushes. Alongside providing resources for pollinators the environment aims to also mitigate the urban impacts of the context by mitigating emissions from local industry, providing space not impacted by humans and reducing urban heat island impacts by providing shading.

Our urban forest will need to provide a number of pollinator habitats, providing nesting habitat, pollen and nectar, winter and hibernation habitat and refuge from urban impacts and pesticides. It will also connect to other local green spaces and add an additional node to the existing green network that is within close proximity for pollinators to travel.

Reducing and mitigating urban impacts

Reduce artificial lighting at night

Mitigate air pollution with carbon sequestration

Weeds can have extended flowering periods, or flower at different times than native plants, expanding the foraging season for many groups of pollinators

Reduce urban heat island impact - through canopy shading

Provide an enhanced environment for pollinators

Adding to the green network - close proximity for insects to travel from other green spaces

Mitigate human impact - creating non-human areas

Native and diverse species to reduce chance of disease

Fruit trees give off fragrance in the spring that draws bees in.

Herbivorous caterpillars or xylophagous beetle larvae become nectar-feeding butterflies and beetles

Social bumblebees will forage in private or community gardens

Many bees, such as species of the genus Xylocopa, depend on dead wood for nesting

Trees that provide saps and resins that mix with beeswax to waterproof, and sterilize the hive cavity.

By reducing human use to a small number of trails or areas will benefit ground beetles, ground-nesting bees.

Dragonflies depend on aquatic and terrestrial habitats to complete their life cycle.

Queens construct nests in the lessdisturbed soils or forest edges.

Deadwood for nesting

Native and indigenous planting

Flowering trees and trees with sap for bees

Exposed - low impacted soil for burrowing

Provide water bodies for all-stages of life of pollinators - larvae and aquatic life.

Wild flower species and extended annual flowering period.

accessible areas with

Thick bushes to prevent human entry

trees with blossoming flowers

Water body and artificial plants

Meadow planting Large non pollinator trees to block spray from pesticides.

Environment mapping.

RESEARCH & CONCEPT.

Seasonal vegetables and fruits calendar.

The seasonal calender is reflective of the northern Italian climate and agricultural schedule. The information is collected from the local food distributor Cortilia who may serve as a collaborator and partner on the project.

RESEARCH & CONCEPT.

Potential Species Mapping.

In order to understand which plants, crops and trees to plant in the Bosco Mangericcio, we undertook a research study task into existing food forests local to the area, in Milan and Northern Italy. We looked at all seven levels of food forest and selected a number of examples that are native to or grow well within the climate and conditions of the site and location in low level suburban area in Northern Italy.

The larger and high tree cover are made up from mostly Maple, Cherry Trees, Larger Apple trees, Dog rose, Hazelnuts, Blackthorn, Dogwoods, Elders and Hawthorns, Mulberry, Medlar, Linden, Oak and Ash. The canopy is a mixture of edible and non edible trees which act as a border and barrier into the site and mediate noise, sunlight and act as carbon sequesters.

Herbaceous Plants

Perennial vegetables such as artichokes, annual and biennial plants such as Broad beans, Runner beans, Chickpeas, Peas, Swiss chard, Sunflowers, Cabbage, Asparagus, Herbs such as Sage, Mint, Oregano, Basil, Lemon grass, Tarragon. Borage, Valerian, Alliaria, Balsamita.

Ground Cover

To increase greenery and cover plants with large spread are used such as Mint, Lemon Balm, Strawberries, Valerian, Yarrow, Wormwood, Borage and Oregano, Clover, Mallow.

Low Level Trees

Smaller and shorter trees, often flower and fruit bearing make up the second layer of trees. Examples include Plum, Pomegranate, Fig. Apricot, Plum Blossom, Apple, Pear, Peach, Peach Blossom, Crabappple, Small Cherry varieties

Below ground crops

Bulb or root vegetables and plants, which grow under ground and tend to be annual or biennial. Examples include Garlic, Onions, Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, Horseradish, Chicory, Valerina, Disorea batata, Crocus, Burdock. Also mushrooms and underground mycelia, hyphae and mycorihizae play a huge role in the health of the entire ecosystem, even if they are not edible themselves.

Shrubs

A mixture of berry and flowering shrubs including Raspberries, Blackberries, Currants, Gooseberries, Josta, Blueberries, Black currants, Elderberries and Elderflower, Buckthorn, Goji, Goumi, Aronia, Sea Buckthorn.

Climbing plants

A mix of high and low climbing plants which require tall trellis, obelsik stands or vertical walls to grow against or with the aid of. Examples are Kiwi, Hops, Pumpkins and Squash, Dioscorea Batata, Vines such as grapes, Climbing beans, Broad Beans, Runner Beans.

Canopy

Precedents Studies - Food Forests.

Precedents Studies - Food Forests.

Picasso Food Forest, Palma, Italy, 2012

Size Location Climate

Governance Structure

5700sqm Palma Italy

Cfa Sub-tropical climate Community Initiative

The pilot project of the community initiative was created as an edible garden for local people to enjoy access to green space and the ability to grow and harvest their own food.

It is designed to mimic an immature forest without larger trees providing a closed canopy so smaller trees, bushes and plants can thrive.

The project is designed as a social experiment to understand the community responsibility, in giving their time and money to the forest and taking fresh food in exchange but without taking too much to ensure others in their area have access also. The forest is free and open to anyone and yet has been maintained for over 20 years without any abuse of the system.

Size Location Climate

Governance Structure

1200sqm Bagno di Romana, Italy

Cfa Sub-tropical Community Initiative

The project was implemented during a Food Forest course in 2013, held by permaculture expert Elena Parmiggiani, with the aim of educating the local community of the benefits of food forestry. The team at La Fattoria dell’Autosufficienza continue to extend the food forest each year, hosting specific food forest courses that alternate between theory and practice.

The long term results of the project conclude that the food forest model in Italy requires very little external intervention, and is able to produce a yearround harvest that is not only successful in terms of food production, but also in terms of community engagement and education.

La Fattoria dell’Autosufficienza, Bagno di Romana, Italy, 2013

STRATEGY & PLANNING.

Identifying Key Collaborators - Cortilia.

What is Cortilia?

Originally Cortilia was called “Geomercato”, a platform created to provide customers in Milan with a selection of fruits and vegetables delivered by the farmers themselves, in order to optimize transport routes to reduce environmental impact. After a few months of conversion, in November 2011, was delivered the first subscription box fruit and vegetables!

Today, Cortilia still pursues the same goal: to deliver regional fruits and vegetables with short supply chains to customers in Italy. 70% of the products sold by are local (therefore they come from a producer within a radius of less than 200 km) and 99% are Italian.

Cortilia, seasonal vegetables and fruits, biodiversity, short supply chains, organic farming and traceability are particularly important.

Cortilia does not sell pumpkins all year round, but only when pumpkins are in season. Moreover, there is not only one type of pumpkin to buy, but many different species (because we eat only 12 plant species and 5 animal breeds make up 70% of our meals). Growing many species strengthens biodiversity. Moreover, Cortilia buys only from local farmers. The buyer can trace the origin of each vegetable thanks to the high level of digitalization at Cortilia.

Partnership of Cortillia and Bosco Mangericcio.

Goals of Cortillia

How the goals Cortilia’s support our project

Organic food

Local and small farms are promoted by Cortillia. Biodiversity and organic farming is extremely important to Cortillia.

Community

There is a large local community, especially in Milan, as the company was founded here in 2011. The community is still only connected online and has no real meeting place. A real meeting place would help to connect the community even closer.

Transparency

Through local suppliers, Cortillia has short supply chains and always fresh products directly from the producer. Cortillia also wants to convey this to its customers through maximum transparency.

Seasons

It is important for Cortillia to offer seasonal products. This means that not every product is available every season.

Tradition

In the future, Cortillia would like to promote biodiversity and various traditional Italian fruits and vegetables even more. To do this, however, customers need to know how to use products.

Restaurants

Cortilia.horeca is a pilot project in which Cortillia provides bars and restaurants with the freshest, most seasonal, local and sustainable products.

Financing

Cortillia wants to retain local customers and become a leader in local and organic agriculture.

Cortillia can advise on the choice of plants and establish contact with local farmers. In this way, the “Bosco Mangericcio” project can become a pilot project for local agroforestry cultivation systems.

Cortilia as initiator and organizer can offer workshops in the “Bosco Mangericcio” on her website. Thus, the project around the food forest immediately reaches an important interest group, a group that wants to eat a balanced and local diet.

Through the workshops offered in the food forest, Cortillia can show maximum transparency and show customers through the food forest agronomic cultivation whites, walk the Cortillia factory or hold discussions about the future of agribusiness and food.

From the concept of seasonal cultivation derives the concept for nature trails in the food forest, which vary according to the season, lead to the discovery of the properties of the plants.

In the Food Forest there are references to the use of flowers, fruits and berries in the kitchen. In this context, the organization of tastings and cooking classes that can take place within the framework of Cortillia Workshops is also envisaged.

With the connection of Cortillia and local bars and restaurants, a cooking workshop by a restaurant chef in the food forest is conceivable. Or small “dinner evenings” with a local chef and the products from the garden.

Cortillia can support the project financially in exchange for offering workshops in the garden and advertising in the garden for their ordering service.

Location Cortillia has the main seat next to the property “Bosco Mangericcio”.

Cortillia can take over the maintenance of the garden, either by financing gardeners and keepers or by having its own employees who want to be involved in the garden.

Cortilia

Identifying Key Collaborators - Local Schools.

Asilo Infantile Sister Maria Antonietta Sorre

Asilo Steineriano

L’Altalena

Infanzia Via Gramsci ICS

Cassina De’ Pecchi

Aula Informatica Scuola Primaria ICS di Cassina de’ Pecchi

Scuola Secondaria ICS

Cassina De’ Pecchi

The site is located within close proximity to various schools, childcare and vocational institutions. In order to promote urban agroforestry throughout the community and increase awareness and education, our project will engage surrounding institutions in educational activities. Local schools are invited to the site to observe how the food forest functions and learn about urban agroforestry. Teaching activities will be tailored to each age group to ensure effective engagement. While it is a common practice to collaborate with children and young people in urban forestry, it is also valuable to engage with vocational schools. By collaborating with young adults who are equipped with a variety of practical skills, ideas about food forestry can be disseminated to actors who have the capacity to implement additional food forests.

A central gathering space upon the site will function as a teaching zone, where educators are able to explain the ecosystem of food forests and their importance to our urban landscape. Following this introductory education, students and children are invited to tend to the forest, interact with nature and learn about urban farming techniques.

Connectivity

Although several education institutions are located within walking distance of the site, due to the adjacent metro line, there are few points of access to the site. All vehicular access approaches the site from the south via a quiet byway with low levels of traffic. Pedestrians approaching from the north can access the site via the bridge which carries the main road or through the metro station bridge. As the area is not well connected for pedestrians, it is advised that schools arrive to the site by minibus. Appropriate parking will be provided on site.

Key

site boundary

Villa Fiorita Metro Station

vehicular access

Pedestrian access

Scuola Materna La Scuola dell’Infanzia di via Dante

Scuole Elem. Statale Via Manzoni Scuola Media

Asilo Nido Qui Quo Qua

Community Engagement Plan. STRATEGY & PLANNING.

Inform Consult Involve Collaborate

Goal

Provide the local community with non-biased and objective information about the project and the proposed works including any disservice to their area or routine. (i.e. through road closure/ noise etc)

Goal

Obtain feedback from the local community on their concerns and reflections on the project. Reiterate the methods with which the public can get involved on the project.

Goal

To work with the local public throughout the design process and works to ensure their concerns and goals are heard and considered.

Goal

To partner with the local community in making decisions - allowing them to lead conversations and make decisions through committees.

Techniques

Open public website with contact information for local people to share general enquiries or ask questions

Flyers regarding the works shared with local businesses and residents to inform them of the project proposal.

Techniques

Invites of public comments on open forum page allowing people to give their feedback

Public planning meetings with both Cortillia and Forestami to give feedback and input on the types of plants and features they would like to see.

Techniques

Design workshops with Cortillia, local residents groups and local schools.

Inviting the public and especially local schhools to participate on the forestry process and help plant and maintain - also educating them on the benefits of urban forestry.

Techniques

Inviting the public to aid in smaller decisions such as public accessible features, furniture, access and design of hardscaping

Larger decisions about plant choice, planting scheme, timeline and ecosystem planning is led by experts with the consideration of local persons input

Empower

Goal

To place final decisions in the hands of the public - allowing them to lead the design and planting choices.

Techniques

This technique is not used as part of the project as the land is intended to be mostly for non-human usage and deisgned in a way to be beneficial for pollinators. It therefore relies upon the opinions and decisions of experts and allowing the public to make the final say on certain key planting decisions would be detrimental.

Flyer inviting the public to attend planning meetings

The local public will be enaged on the planning and planting of Il Bosco Mangericcio, through a series of public planning meetings, focus groups and events inviting local people to engage with the public, have their say on which plants and vegetables they would like to see grown and the supplementary features of the site.

STRATEGY & PLANNING.

Budget & Funding Plan.

Budget and Funding Process.

Food forests have a very different budgeting and funding structure to other green spaces such as parks and public forests. In a typical forest and parkland budget 5% is dedicated to community engagement, 5% for maintenance and the remaining 90% goes towards capital improvements such as land moving, irrigation, planting, remediation and demolition works. In this scenario the majority of the budget is spent in the initial planting phase over the first 6 months to 1 year.

The food forest requires a lot more community engagement and maintenance as a parkland or typical forest due to the need for replanting, pruning, watering and harvesting activities. In the food forest the budget is split more equally between these factors, around 33% each. This means the budget for the food forest is spread over a longer period and includes funding for continued maintenance and planting activities.

It is important for the food forest to have a lead financing stakeholder, whether this is through fundraising and an NGO or through private capital financing, in the case of Il Bosco Mangericcio, the majority of funding comes from the partnering company Cortilia who’s Head quarters are located adjacent to the site. Cortilia provide funding for the initial funding works, employ forest rangers to lead and organise maintenance and planting activities and marketing and community engagement.

The incentive for Cortilia is the potential to expand their Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and as part of their marketing strategy. The main funding from Cortilia is then supported by crowd funding and donations from the local community and maintenance and harvesting activity costs are reduced by utilising local volunteers and community engagement events. The land is provided by the local municipality in exchange for community activities and improvements on local biodiversity and green spaces.

Initial Planting (6 months-1 year)

The majority of the initial budget is consumed by the purchase of the initial plants and trees. This could range between €30,00-90,000 depending on the number of plants and initial purchase costs. The other portions of the budget are split between site remediation works including hardscaping, fencing, planting activities, soil preparation and the design process. This may range from €3200-10,000.

Maintenance and Continuous Planting (2+ years)

In order to maintain the site a budget is required to fund maintenance activities including watering, pruning and mowing. In the case of Il Bosco Mangericcio, 1-2 employees would be hired by Cortilia to lead these activities, costing between €20,000-30,000 per year. Other activities are community engagement activities costing around €20,000 per year, and new plants may cost around €10,000-15,000.

Crowd-funding and Donations from the Local Community

Funding for Initial Plants, Trees and Crops

Ranging between €1-€30 per plant.

Estimated 1000-3000 plants needed for 9000sqm site

Cortilia (as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility & Marketing Strategy)

Funding for site demolition, remediation and hardscaping and planting works.

Estimated between €3200-10,000 for small-medium sites

Cernusco Sul Naviglio Municipality & Local Administration

Provision of the land and associated administration costs.

Potential to mediate a deal with the local council to provide the land and admin costs for free in exchange for community events and benefits

Volunteers and engagement to aid in maintenance and harvesting.

Estimated 250hours per year of harvesting activities.

Maintenance, watering, pruning and bulk harvesting. Continuous funding for annual and biennial crops. Estimated €640 per year in admin, €640 in marketing and €2500 in materials.

Continued permission granted to the site, as well as engagement with the local community.

Establish a sustainable model for food forestry in a suburban area and industrial periphery.

Collaborating with Cortillia, a local fruit and vegetable delivery service with a focus on avoiding food waste, as part of their community engagement strategy.

Providing an education space for local schools from which they can learn and recreate food forestry in their own greenspaces.

Providing additional, pesticide free habitat for pollinators within a heavily agricultural zone, through implementing biodiverse planting strategies.

Mitigating noise and air pollution from the adjacent metro line and motorway through strategic planting.

Expanding the growing urban food forestry network local to Milan alongside others such as Parco Nord and CasciNet.

Increasing awareness and education on food forestry through workshops and events with local people and owners of local businesses.

Creating a green corridor between the existing green spaces of Cernusco sul Naviglio and Cassina de’ Pecchi.

Utilising the partnership with Cortillia to provide financing for both the initial planting and maintenance of the food forest

Selecting both native and typical Lombardian species as part of a seasonal planting schedule to ensure year-round productivity.

DESIGN. Site Location & Connectivity.

Cortillia

Cortillia, as our strongest partner and direct neighbour, regularly supplies the Food Forest. Thus, a direct connection from the company headquarters to the Food Forest is planned, in the form of a gate.

Partner Schools

There are several schools in the immediate vicinity of the Food Forest, including the Scuola Primaria ICS Cassina De’ Pecchi. The children can not only make weekly trips to the Forest, but can also start a Food Forest at their school and receive help from the neighbourhood, for example in the form of seedlings or tools.

Connected Parkland

The food forest different plants, these provide shelter for insects, birds and small mammals. In the surroundings of the garden there are currently large fields used by industrial agriculture. Especially in such an environment the connection of park areas and gardens is important to provide a shelter for animals (and people), therefore we strengthen the connection to the Parco dei Germani.

Infrastructure

Because the land was a former parking area, it is well connected to the automobile traffic. Moreover, it is only a few hundred meters from the Villa Fiorita railroad station. A bus parking lot for visitors will be built under the highway bridge next to the property to allow easy access for larger groups of visitors.

Side

The Food Forest constitutes an important pilot project for the region. The Food Forest avoids monocultures and the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The goal of permacultural planning, similar to a circular economy, is to create stable ecosystems in the long term through closed material cycles that are self-sustaining and require minimal human intervention. In the Food Forest, people and especially children will be taught how food can be grown sustainably and how to cook seasonally.

mulching and soil remediation works to prepare groundfor planting

New gates and parking area

DESIGN. Demolition and Remediation Plan.

cut down shurbs; removed old parking area

removed dead wood and plant material

New Tarmac Car Parking for Mini bus with secure gate

Soil remediation works. Including weeding, turning and mulching to make the soil appropriate for planting

Demolition and removal of the existing tarmac car park and associated infrastructure including lighting, electronic gates and signage

Removal of existing trees in Poor condition. Removal works to be done following a full tree survey and only if the tree is dead, diseased or poses danger by risk of falling.

Pruning and removal works to existing bushes. Cutting back dead wood and shrubbery and removing any diseased or dead plants, in accordance to advice from a full tree survey.

New fencing added to site. In addition to the existing fencing to ensure security.

New gates added to give main access

mulching and soil remediation works to prepare groundfor planting

New gates and parking area

cut down shurbs; removed old parking area

removed dead wood and plant material

The site must undergo a number of general remediation and demolition works to prepare it for new planting. Initially any trees identified as dead or in poor condition are removed. The aspiration is to keep as many trees as possible but if the tree is considered a hazard or not longer contributing to the ecosystem it will be removed. The car park surfacing will be excavated and removed and the entire green space will undergo a process of mulching and soil remediation works to make it of higher quality to plant new plants and trees.

DESIGN. Zoning Plan.

Main Pathway

with widened areas for seating surrounded by climbing plants to be used for touring and educating around the food forest

Secondary Paths linking to planting beds and zones to give access for pruning and harvesting

Canopy Layer consisting of larger trees including both fruit giving and non fruit giving trees

Low-level Trees Layer consisting of shorter fruit trees

Shrubbery Layer consisting of berry and flower bushes and shrubs

Herbaceous Layer & Covering Layer consisting of flowers, leafy vegetables, herbs and covering plants

Raised Planting Beds

Food under ground and vine plants to allow those with accessibility or mobility issues access to the plants and prevent trampling of smaller plants by humans or animals

Ornamental Planting consisting of flowers and some herbs and fruits to give colour and interest at the front of the site and act as a barrier to the main fruit giving plants

Existing Trees (retained) retained and incorporated into the planting zones as part of the canopy and shrubbery layers.

Meeting zone

for educational talks, events and social gathering

Mini Bus Parking accessed from the main road visitors coming by car will use the nearby multi storey car park

Store/ Potting shed to store materials and seedlings during potting stage

noise and pollution

some non fruit giving trees to act as barrier to the pollution from the transport lines and protect the food forest

Zoning

Plan

Cortilia

Visual eyesore

DESIGN.

Species Selection -Canopy.

Maple Trees. Acer.

Maple trees attract bees with their sap and nectar rich flowers. Some bee species can even burrow through the bark themselves to get the sap.

Plant >8m apart. 18-27m tall - fast growing.

Golden Mulberry. Morus Alba.

EXISTING TREE. Planted toward northern edge. Acts as barrier for pollinator and edible fruit trees.

Plant 12m apart. 6-13m - fast growing

Species Selection -Low Tree Layer.

Cherry Tree. Prunus avium L.

ONE EXISTING TREE

Their white flowers attract pollinators such as bees, moths and butterflies.

April-June fruit.

Plant < 6 meters away. 20-25m tall - medium growing speed.

Paper Mulberry. Broussonetia papyrifera.

EXISTING TREE. Planted toward the northern edge bordering the train-line. Non-edible tree so acts as a barrier for the pollinators trees.

Plant 12m apart. 13m tall.

Crabapple. Malus sylvestris

Bees are attracted to the flowers for food and the fruit of crabapple trees attracts birds.

September - November fruit.

Plant < 15 meters away. 6m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Royal Apricot of Imola. Prunus armeniaca.

Fruits ripen mid summer June to July.

Plant < 4 meters apart.

May-September fruit. Up to 12m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Plum Blossom. Prunus mume.

Bright pink flowering blossoms through spring which attracts bees and pollinators.

July-October fruit.

Plant < 8 meters away. 4-10m tall - fast growingself seeding.

Blood Peach. Prunus persica ‘Indian Blood’

Very adaptable and hard wearing tree. Self fertile but not self pollinating.

June-August fruit. Plant <6 meters apart. 9m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Plum. Prunus domestica

Flowers in spring with white blossoms, fruits appear in late summer to autumn.

July-October fruit. Plant 6 meters apart, 6m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Pomegranate Flower. Punica granatum.

Bright red flowers, that bloom in May and are followed by orb fruits.

September - November fruit. Plant >6 meters apart. 5-10m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Gala Apple. Malus domestica ‘Gala’

Partially self pollinating, requires bees and pollinators in some cases. Fruits ripen by mid September

September-November fruit. Plant > 6 meters away. 8m tall - fast growing

Pear Tree. Pyrus.

Not self pollinating trees - require the role of bees and pollinators. White blossoms which bloom in spring.

September-October fruit. Plant < 10 meters apart. Up to 12m tall

DESIGN.

Species Selection - Shrubs.

Black Elder. Sambucus nigra L.

The fruits are small black berries, liked by birds. The wood is very soft, with the central pith often missing leaving a cavity.

May-June - edible flowers.

Plant 1.5-2m apart. 8m tall - fast growing.

Barberry. Berberis vulgaris L.

Can grow in poor quality soil. Red fruit and yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies. Usually Non edible to humans - acts as barrier plant.

Plant 2m apart 1.5-2m tall - fast growing

Highbush blueberry. Vaccinium corymbosum. Blackberry. Rubus subg. Rubus.

Blueberries are produced during the second summer and the plant is most productive at 7 years old.

June-October fruit.

Plant 4m apart

Grows up to 3m tall.

SOME EXISTING SHRUBS ON SITE

Add addtional younger bushes amongst existing May-October fruit - best in July

Plant 1.5m apart

Grows up to 0.9m tall

Species Selection - Herbaceous Plants.

Sunflower. Helianthus annuus.

Due to its relatively late flowering time the flower provides an important pit stop for bees just before they hibernate. Seeds can be harvested in Autumn.

Grows up to 5m tall. Flowers July to September.

Common Sage. Salvia officinalis.

Sage is an evergreen plant and keeps its leaves all year round. It is in best season during spring and early summer.

May-October in best season.

Grows up to 60cm tall Plant 60cm apart.

Raspberry. Rubus idaeus.

Fruits from second summer onwards.

May-August fruit.

Plant 0.6m apart - 1.8m between rows

Grows up to 1.8m tall

Currants. Ribes rubrum.

Tolerant of shaded areas and can be planted behind larger trees.

May-August fruit.

Plant 2m apart - 4m between rows.

Grows up to 1-2m tall

Asparagus. Asparagus officinalis.

Harvest the roots of the plants, the edible feature, continues to grow into leafy tall plant.

May-July Fruit.

Grows up to 1.2m tall, stalks are around 30cm. Plant 7cm apart.

Artichoke plant. Cynara cardunculus. Can grow in full sun or partial shade, required well drained soil and so ideal for a raised irrigated bed.

June-September fruit.

Grows up to 1-1.5m tall Plant 3-4m apart.

Chard. Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla.

Ornamental and edible qualities with deep red stem which is visible when growing.

June-October fruit.

Grows up to 60cm Plant up to 10cm apart in rows of 45cm apart.

Lemon grass. Cymbopogon.

Can be harvested year round, and should be to maintain its growth. Grows in small grassy clumps similar to many ornamental grasses. All year round.

Grows up to 120cm tall. Plant 15cm apart.

Basil. Ocimum basilicum

Requires a sunny planting location, it is a half hardy annual plant, so will require new planting each year.

May-August harvest.

Grows up to 45cm tall. Plant 40cm apart.

Romaine Lettuce. Lactuca sativa var. longifolia.

The most upright growing lettuce variety and can be planted closer to gain more crop. Harvest 70 days after planting. In season through the summer.

Grows up to 50cm tall. Plant 50cm apart.

DESIGN. Species Selection - Ground cover.

Common mallow is packed with nectar and pollen, which benefits bees and bumblebees in particular, native butterflies also enjoy the plant.

1.5m height Non edible. Flowers June to October.

Species Selection -Root Crops.

Common mallow is packed with nectar and pollen, which benefits bees and bumblebees in particular, native butterflies also enjoy the plant.

1.5m height.

Flowers June to October.

Plant in the autumn around September to November in areas with little to not frost.

June-August harvest. Plants will grow around 60cm above ground. The bulbs grow 12cm below the surface.

Aubrieta is a good example of a bee-friendly rock garden perennial: in April and May, the plant produces so many little flowers that its green leaves are barely visible. Non edible. Flowers April to May.

Produces leaves all year round in the case of a warmer winter. Can die back with frost but will grow back in spring.

May-August best season 30cm - 1m height Plant 60cm apart.

Plant around 15cm apart. Grow best in warm conditions, does not tolerate frost so will need to be planted after frost each year.

August-November Harvest. Plants grow up to 60cm above ground and 15cm below the surface.

Plant around 45cm apart.

Onions.

Difficult to plant and grow from spores as take from 10-15 years in some cases to grow. However natural edible mushrooms may grow and spores can be placed to promote growth in later years. Grow to around 30cm, around 10cm thick.

Grown from crowns or root cuttings. Harvest around 140-160 days after planting. In best season in late autumn October - November harvest. Grow around 60cm above ground. Root grows 8-10cm below ground.

Plant around 45cm apart.

Flowers in Early Spring. Both self pollinating or can be pollinated by bees. Can be planted directly or in raised beds.

May-June Fruit. 15-20cm tall. Plant 30cm apart.

Comes in flowering varieties which flower through spring. Will continue to grow through warmer winter.

May-October best season 20-80cm tall. Plant 25cm apart.

Sow from late winter until mid spring, bulbs are fairly hardy through winter frost. Can be harvested all year round, in Autumn and summer. Grows around 7-cm above ground and 15cm below the surface.

Plant 10cm apart with 30cm between rows.

Unlike other root vegetables chicory has a bright coloured flower and taller stem. Bringing variety and colour to the raised bed for root vegetables. August-October harvest. Plants grow to 1-1.5m high. Plant 1cm deep and 30cm apart.

Common Mallow. Malva sylvestris.

White Clover. Malva sylvestris.

Mint. Mentha.

Oregano. Origanum vulgare.

Aubrieta. Verbena bonariensis.

Strawberry. Fragaria × ananassa.

Garlic. Allium sativum.

Sweet Potato. Ipomoea batatas.

Allium cepa.

Porcini Mushrooms. Boletus edulis.

Horseradish. Armoracia rusticana.

Chicory. Cichorium intybus.

DESIGN.

Species Selection - Climbing Plants.

Cranberry Hibiscus. Hibiscus acetosella

Can grow in full sun or partial shade. Late blooming flowers adding colour to autumn season.

3m high, plant 4m apart.

September-November edible flowers.

Kiwi. Actinidia.

Flowers produced in the summer season. Tree like stem with spreading vines.

September-November fruit. Grows up to 9m tall. Plant 3m apart on a trellis or wall.

Species Selection - Ornamental.

Lady’s Bedstraw. Galium verum.

The plant has a bright yellow colour and a sweet, honey-like scent. Which attracts both birds, bees and butterflies.

30cm tall.

Runner Bean. Phaseolus coccineus

Require potting in the spring as do not survive the winter front and must be planted each year.

June-October fruit.

Grows up to 2-3m Plant 15-30cm apart.

Pumpkin/ Squash. Cucurbita

Low level vine plant, needs some support of trellis, but also heavy fruit require close proximity to the ground.

September-October fruit.

Grows up to 25m long. Spread of 1.2-4m.

Vine Tomatoes. Solanum Lycopersicum.

Can grow up obelisk trellis or stick trellis within a raised planter or directly in the soil.

July-September fruit.

Grows up to1.5-3m (usually 1.5m) Plant 60cm apart.

Cucumber. Cucumis sativus.

Comes in both low growing bush and vine varieties to be planted at different height trellis.

May-August fruit.

Grows up to 0.9-3m Plant 0.3-2.5m apart depending on the variety.

Passion fruit. Passiflora edulis.

Needs a long horizontal growing area, requires a low and long trellis. Exotic purple flowers in Spring.

June-October fruit.

Grows up to 4-5m long. Plant 3m apart.

Shipping Willow. Salix eleagnos Scop.

Grows from early spring through to mid summer. Blue colour is appealing to butterflies and bees alike. Can sow seeds in meadow like planting.

90cm tall.

Flowers March to July.

Italian Bluebell. Hyacinthoides italica.

This early flowering allows it to make the most of the sunlight that is still able to make it to the forest floor habitat, before the canopy becomes too dense.

50cm height.

Flowers April -May.

Yarrow. Achillea.

The plant’s numerous small flowers are a magnet for all kinds of beneficial insects including bees and butterflies.

120cm tall.

Flowers June-October.

Flowers June-September. Verbena. Verbena bonariensis.

The plant has a bright yellow colour and a sweet, honey-like scent. Which attracts both birds, bees and butterflies.

60cm tall.

Flowers June-September.

Zinnia. Zinnia.

Good for colour and mix into wildflower planting. Need full sun so likely planted toward south edge.

75-90cm tall.

Flowers June-October.

Shipping Willow. Centaurea cyanus.

Young branches greyish and pubescent; leaves lanceolate, white-tomentose on the underside; branched roots.

Plant 30-50cm apart Grows up to 5-6m tall Flowers March-September.

Phacelia. Phacelia tanacetifolia.

Annual needs replanting each year, can be germinated easily in pots and transferred to ground.

25cm tall.

Flowers June-October.

Malus sylvestris

Elder. Sambucus nigra L.

Highbush blueberry. Vaccinium corymbosum.

Rubus idaeus.

Punica granatum.

Prunus domestica.

Berberis vulgaris L.

Rubus subg. Rubus.

Prunus persica ‘Indian Blood’

papyrifera.

Apple. Malus domestica ‘Gala’

armeniaca.

DESIGN. Initial Planting Scheme Plan.

Key.

Maple Tree

Acer.

Cherry Tree. Prunus avium L.

Robinia. Robinia pseudoacacia L.

Paper Mulberry. Broussonetia papyrifera.

Golden Mulberry. Morus Alba.

Pomegranate Flower. Punica granatum.

Black Elder. Sambucus nigra L.

Plum Blossom. Prunus mume.

Pear Tree.

Pyrus

Royal Apricot of Imola. Prunus armeniaca.

Blood Peach. Prunus persica ‘Indian Blood’

Gala Apple.

Malus domestica ‘Gala’

Crabapple. Malus sylvestris

Plum. Prunus domestica.

Highbush blueberry. Vaccinium corymbosum.

Blackberry. Rubus subg. Rubus.

Barberry.

Berberis vulgaris L.

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

Currants.

Ribes rubrum..

Ornamental.

Root Crops.

Herbaceous Plants.

Ornamental. Currants. Ribes rubrum. Highbush blueberry. Vaccinium corymbosum. Raspberry Rubus idaeus Barberry. Berberis vulgaris L. Cherry Tree. Prunus avium

Planting Scheme

Plants are laid out and ordered according to their spacing and within specific layering zones to maximise the access to sunlight, minimise risk of disease spreading and provide the ideal conditions for growth for each tree and plant species. By layering larger trees to the northern boundary and smaller trees and bushes to the southern boundary the internal plants whether high or lower rise have access to sunlight.

Extensive research has been carried out to understand the most effective planting distances between both trees and rows of trees to allow root spread and canopy cover. These distances are specifically marked for the larger trees and will be followed with smaller annual and biennial planting. Watering and staking activities will be needed throughout the planting process to ensure the survival of the younger and immature trees These maintenance works will continue throughout the first 5 years of the forest.

DESIGN. Planting Evolution Plan - 5 Years.

Maple Tree

Acer.

Cherry Tree. Prunus avium L.

Robinia. Robinia pseudoacacia L.

Paper Mulberry. Broussonetia papyrifera.

Golden Mulberry. Morus Alba.

Pomegranate Flower. Punica granatum.

Black Elder.

Sambucus nigra L.

Plum Blossom. Prunus mume.

Pear Tree.

Pyrus

Royal Apricot of Imola. Prunus armeniaca.

Blood Peach.

Prunus persica ‘Indian Blood’

Gala Apple.

Malus domestica ‘Gala’

Crabapple. Malus sylvestris

Plum. Prunus domestica.

Highbush blueberry. Vaccinium corymbosum.

Blackberry. Rubus subg. Rubus.

Barberry.

Berberis vulgaris L.

Raspberry Rubus idaeus

Currants.

Ribes rubrum..

Ornamental.

Root Crops.

Herbaceous Plants.

Planting Evolution

After five years the trees have developed and matured, forming larger trunks and canopies and are much hardier and able to survive harsher conditions and with less regular watering activities. Stakes can be removed from smaller trees as their trunks have thickened enough to support themselves. The original planting rows have become less distinguished with bushes and smaller plants and trees growing in varying directions The rows are still evident in larger and orchard trees which allows access for fruit picking and pruning.

The herbaceous and root crop plants are planted and harvested multiple times per year to maximise crop harvest and plant seasonal foods.

DESIGN.

Site Sections.

Section AA1

Section AA2

Section BB

Section CC

Section DD

Section EE

DESIGN. Seasonal Planting Calendar.

January

Planting Activities

Too Cold for Planting Activities

Hardy Shrubs and Herbaceous Plants will survive a warmer winter and not need replanting

February

Planting Activities

March

Planting Activities

Asparagus

Harvesting Activities

Harvesting Activities

Onion Onion

July

Planting Activities

Horseradish

Ornamental

Romaine Lettuce

Basil Lemon grass

Harvesting Activities

Garlic Garlic Kiwi Kiwi Strawberry

August

Planting Activities

Asparagus

September

Planting Activities

Asparagus

Artichoke Garlic

Romaine Lettuce Romaine Lettuce Runner Beans Vine Tomato Vine Tomato

Harvesting Activities

Horseradish

Harvesting Activities

Blueberry Blueberry

Horseradish

Harvesting Activities

Plum

Raspberry Raspberry Blood Peach Blood Peach Apricot

Tomatoes

Plum Cucumber Blackberry Blackberry Blackberry Passion fruit Passion fruit

Gala Apple Pear Pomegranate Red Currants

Sweet Potato

Hibiscus Sweet Potato

DESIGN. Irrigation Plan.

Groups of Ground plantings

Water Mains Linkage

Linked to existing water mains location, above ground pump system and allows link for hand held hose.

Link to water mains pipes

Drip irrigation lines

Water butt for hand watering

The irrigation plan works by using drip irrigation pipes fed from key water mains which we aim to link to the existing water pipes identified on the site. The food forest will also use a small water butt from the roof of the store for additional water for hand watering tasks. The drip irrigation works in lines along the herbaceous planting lines and within plant beds as is also used extensively for small immature trees when first planted. The areas of dense trees do not require this type of irrigation and will be supplemented by hose watering activities in the dry season.

DESIGN. Hardscaping and Materials Plan.

Permeable Tar Tan Pathways

Poured into moulds

Tinted with orange colour to create a playful interest

Self-Binding Gravel

Stones sourced locally to Lombardy region

Self-binding to allow shallow layer to be used and make site accessible to wheelchairs

Used for secondary paths to planting beds and between rows of trees.

Stone paved path

Stones sourced locally to Lombardy region

Cut to 500mm-1000mm dimensions

Used for tertiary pathways to larger trees or between main pathways

Semi-permeable concrete linear paving

Used for mini bus parking area to allow some greenery but make the ground appropriate for vehicular use year round

Wooden bench seating

Used along wider areas of paths

Simple wooden slat and metal ribbon construction

Some areas with raised backs to be comfortable for older people or pregnant women to sit at

Light green metal bins

200l capacity 6 no. total, for use of general rubbish produced by visitors during events or talks

Blue perforated fencing for climbing plants

Used along East and West facade to fill in gaps in current fencing to ensure complete security of the site. Perforated metal is used to allow the planting of climbing vine plants along the fence

Blue metal trellis arches for vine plants

Used along the pathways adjacent to planting of larger climbing plants to allow them to grow up and along

Composting Zone

With three layer walls to allow decomposed material to move along the composting line

Insect Hotel Walls

Features along the site to promote biodiversity and used as an educational tool for teaching children about different insects, wildlife and pollinators.

Ground level vegetable patch (fenced)

GSEducationalVersion

Planting rows separated by areas of wood chippings to create pathway for walking on and also to prevent snails and slugs reaching crops

Raised wooden planting beds

Accessible wooden beds for elderly or disabled users

The central path is constructed from colourful permeable rubber Tartan screed, which can be poured within a shallow mould. The flooring creates colour and interest and is still water permeable to allow natural irrigation. It creates a distinct route for visitors and children to follow as they weave through the food forest. Other pathways are chosen in more subtle natural colours to allow the main path to be a feature. Self binding gravel and flagstones are used in local stone and the car park uses an impermeable surface to prevent oil leakages contaminating the soil. Furniture and features are chosen to add interest and create spaces for rest, learning and gathering.

DESIGN. Hardscaping and Materials.

Permeable Tar Tan Pathways

Poured into moulds

Tinted with orange colour to create a playful interest

Self-Binding Gravel

Stones sourced locally to Lombardy region

Self-binding to allow shallow layer to be used and make site accessible to wheelchairs

Used for secondary paths to planting beds and between rows of trees.

Stone paved path

Stones sourced locally to Lombardy region

Cut to 500mm-1000mm dimensions

Used for tertiary pathways to larger trees or between main pathways

Non permeable Tarmac

Used for mini bus parking area to allow some greenery but make the ground appropriate for vehicular use year round and prevent oil leakage into the ground

Wooden bench seating

Used along wider areas of paths

Simple wooden slat and metal ribbon construction

Some areas with raised backs to be comfortable for older people or pregnant women to sit at

Light green metal bins

200l capacity 6 no. total, for use of general rubbish produced by visitors during events or talks

Blue perforated fencing for climbing plants

Used along East and West facade to fill in gaps in current fencing to ensure complete security of the site. Perforated metal is used to allow the planting of climbing vine plants along the fence

Blue metal trellis arches for vine plants

Used along the pathways adjacent to planting of larger climbing plants to allow them to grow up and along

Composting Zone

With three layer walls to allow decomposed material to move along the composting line

Insect Hotel Walls

Features along the site to promote biodiversity and used as an educational tool for teaching children about different insects, wildlife and pollinators.

Ground level vegetable patch (fenced)

Planting rows separated by areas of wood chippings to create pathway for walking on and also to prevent snails and slugs reaching crops

Raised wooden planting beds

Accessible wooden beds for elderly or disabled users

Permeable Tar Tan Pathways - Orange

Wooden bench seating

3 Composting Zone

Self-Binding Gravel - stones local to region

Light green metal bins - 200l capacity

4 Insect Hotel Walls

Stone paved path - local to region

1 Blue perforated fencing for climbing plants

5 Ground level vegetable patch (fenced)

Non permeable Tarmac with hardy planting border

2 Blue metal trellis arches for vine plants

6 Raised wooden planting beds

Logo Icon

Colours

Way-finding and Signage Mock-up

QR Code Plant Information Stake

Informational Signage Mock-up

Mural on Overpass Mock-up

DESIGN Planting Timeline

It takes 7 years to establish a mature and productive food forest.

Maintenance schedule.

Maintenance Activity Who? Where// Intensity Duration

Soil Moderators

Introduce nitr ogen to the soil and inoculate with fungi by planting clovers and legume trees

Flowering Canopy Trees

Attract pollinat ors and create a protective barrier in preparation for planting of edible species

Un der-story Fru it Trees

Replace star ter plants with under-story fruit trees protected by developing canopy trees

First Yield: 2-6 years

Cutting back and deweeding

Community volunteers guided by Food forest employees.

Mulching Initial mulching done artificially by planting team, then a combination of natural deciduous mulching aided by artificial mulching

Pruning Community volunteers guided by Food Forest employees.

Annual Vegetables

Take advan tage of the extra sunlight while tree canopies are developing to yield edible crops and introduce nutrients to the soil

First Yield: 1 year

Herbaceous Species

Plant once tree can opies are established to ensure adequate access to light

First Yield: 1-3 years

Fruit Shrub s

Plant before tree canopie s are too established to allow adequate sunlight for growth

First Yield: 2-5 years

Orna mental Plants

Flowe ring species that attract pollinators and improve the attractiveness of the site

Watering Food Forest employees and passively by rain water harvesting and irrigation system

Harvesting fruits, vegetables and crops.

Community members, local children following guides and rule from Cortillia partners and employees.

Across the entire site, to all bushes, shrubbery, hardscaped area and ground cover.

Large task before initial planting and then consistently twice a year in winter and summer.

All areas of ground cover and new planting. Initial mulching done fully artificially with natural material. Self-mulching by deciduous trees supported by mulching once a year.

All trees and shrubs depending on planting schedule and annual tree and plant cycle.

All plants and trees especially those in raised beds.

Consistent activity every month depending on need. More often between seasons.

At least 6 times during the dry season March-August. Potentially one a week in hottest season.

All crops, shrubs and trees which produce edible fruits. Depends vastly on seasonal planting, berry fruit harvesting primarily in summer and root crops in winter.

Adding minerals to improve soil conditions (fertilising soil)

Food Forest employees and volunteers. All areas of original soil and raised planting beds where soil is added. More fertilisation needed at start.

Mowing Food Forest employees and volunteers.

Areas of ground cover with grass and clovers.

Extensive activity at start of planting and per each change of crop.

Between 3-6 times over hottest seasons MarchSeptember.

Ground cover

Can be planted n shady areas once other layers are established and will quickly spread

First Yield: 0-3 years

Root Crop s

Annual crops that c an be planted last and recultivated each year

First Yield: 1 year

Annual Cl imbing Plants

Introduced once trees are established to provide solid trunks for climbing

First Yield: 1 year

Staking young trees and plants. Initial planting team. Secondary staking and stake removal by Food Forest employees.

Replanting seasonal bulbs and crops.

Maintaining paths and hardscaping

Productive Food Forest!

Local children and volunteers guided by Food Forest employees.

All individual trees, climbing plants and some herbaceous plants.

In all raised beds or of annual plants which don’t return the following year.

Once at start of growth for young trees, then removed once matured.

At planting seasons - in early autumn and start of bring - twice a year.

Food Forest employees. All hardscaped areas, paths and street furniture. Between 2-4 times per year usually at the transition of seasons.

Planting Initial planting teamconsisting of volunteers, Forestami members and Experts.

Removal Food Forest employees supported by the knowledge of experts.

Across entire site, besides hardscaped areas. According to planting schedule.

Where necessary to trees or plants that are diseased, dead or potential danger.

Vast activity at the start of the project lasting 6-12 weeks. (see left)

Only when necessary.

DESIGN. Winning Image.

IL BOSCO MANGERICCIO

Villafiorita District, Cernusco sul Naviglio

Group 9

Ellie Jones, Johanna Friedrich, Luisa Klocke, Lara Herkommer, Zahin Chowdhury & Ally Molachino