Landscape Management Plan - Restoring urban brownfield
YIRAN YONG 140201330
Table of content Chapter 1. Site description 1.1. General information 1.2. Physical information- landscape character 1.3. Biological information 2. Designed new landscape 2.1. Vision 2.2. Aims 2.3. Habitat types and description 2.4. Faunal species. 2.5. Flora species. 3. Landscape evaluation in identified key zone 3.1. Brief description 3.2. Habitat evaluation 3.3. Floral species 3.4 Faunal species 3.5. Ecological issues & solutions 4. Management plan. 4.1. Management Vision 4.2. Management Aim 4.3. Management Objectives
Page No. 1-2 1 1 1 2- 7 3 3 5 6 6 7-9 7 7 8 8 9 10-12 10 10 10
5. Prescription- plan of work (Attached Action Plan)
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Attached Action plan Whole site masterplan Key zone masterplan
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1. Site description 1.1 General information: This is a 17 ha urban brownfield located in the overlap area of canal quarter and creative quarter and surrounded by commercial and residential area. City link across the site connect A60 and A612 road and that is the only attraction that people go through the site nowadays. Large part of the site is inaccessible and public area is rough grassland and hard car parking. Also, the site lack connections to surrounding landscape. (location map)
1.2 Physical information- Landscape character: 1.2.1Hydrology (Figure 1) 1.2.2. Soil- geology (Figure 2) 1.2.3. Topography The site is relatively flat and the central area is slightly lower than other area.
Free draining alightly acid sandy soil Free draining ploodplain soil
Figure 1.Soil condition
Figure 2. Flooding risk
1.3 Biological information: 1.3.1.Degraded landscape Due to the frequent industrial activities in the past, the site appears a strong post- industrial character and the landscape is highly degraded. The previous industrial use such as chemical work and gas work result in heavy metal contamination which makes the land barren and uncultivated. Some gas pipeline still remained in soil. Existing large hard ground in the middle of the site fragmented the habitat. Loss of shelter for wildlife also make it harder to attract more species. From survey information, dominated habitat at the moment is brownfield. Together with unimproved grassland and old buildings like disused warehouse building, comprising the local ecosystem.
Figure 3. Photo of rough grassland in site
Figure 4. Photo of rough grassland in site
Figure 5. Photo of brownfield and hedge in site
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1. Site description
Figure 6. Existing habitat plan Unimproved grassland Shrub Hedge Brownfield
1.3.2. Habitat Unimproved grassland Unimproved grassland occurred near bio city building. Several desired lines appeared and linear plantation define the boundary of grassland and city link. Brownfield This is occurred in southern area of the site. Spontaneous vegetation appears near remained structure and unmanaged scrub fill in the gap. Shrub hedge. This appears in the south- eastern corner and boundary of the site and linear hedge along city link. Continuous hedge connects the site to the surrounding green space.
1.3.3. Flora & Fauna Brownfield habitat is the most biodiversity rich area of the site. A number of insect species existing in the habitat and the notable species is brownfield butterfly species, which is Dingy skipper (Erynnis Tages) and Grizzled skipper (Pyrgus malvae). Invasive species: Japanese Knotweed, Butterfly Bush
Figure 7. Dingy skipper
Figure 8. Grizzled skipper
Figure 9. Japanese Knotweed
Figure 10. Butterfly Bush
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2. Designed New Landscape
Figure 11. Larger scale green network and vegetation cgaracteristic
2.1 Vision: LifEscape (lively landscape + refugee for both people and wildlife)
Figure 12. Masterplan
2.2 Aim: The aim of the design is to restore a coherent landscape corridor from naturalistic habitat to urban green area, strengthening the regulating service of ecosystem and both benefiting local biodiversity and provide an educational source for visitors. 2.2.1 Green spine. Consider the site as a landscape corridor from natural park landscape to smaller- scale, urban feature green pockets and make the site a remarkable spot in wider green network. 2.2.2 Lifescape. Establishing a sustainable ecosystem and increasing biodiversity value of the area. The site could be utilized as city refugee for endangered species and rest point for migratory species. 2.2.3 Eco- therapy (Cultural services-Recreational, educational,aesthetic). Provide ecosystem service to both human and wildlife. Encourage visitors participate in natural- related activities actively and passively. Ensure residents could enjoy the natural beauty at the doorstep. Outdoor learning in various habitat enrich the experience, which possible educational function attached. 2.2.4 Anti- flooding scheme (Regulating services- rubustness- climate regulation, anti- flood, water purification). Introducing wetland habitat and manipulating topographic change to enlarge the site capacity to retain water. 2.2.5 Flourishing landscape. Valuable during every stage, finally achieve vision, promising future (Measured in management plan) 3
Designed New Landscape
Figure 13. Design line
Figure 14. The extent of human interaction with nature.
Figure 12. Diagram of green spine theme
Figure 13. Habitat diagram.
Figure 14. Footprint of human/ wildlife
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Designed New Landscape
Figure 15. Site and surrounding natural reserve.
Key zone 2.3. Habitat types and description.
Figure 16. Proposed habitat
2.3. Habitat types and description Grassland: It mainly appears in the central peninsula, which also served as the temporary pond on heavy rainny day and main open theatre for people activities in normal situation. Woodland: There are various types of woodland in the area. Urban woodland with formal tree planting define the layout of car parking area. Semi- natural woodland distributes around buildings combine human exploration activities and wildlife interest. 5
Designed New Landscape Unaccessible dense woodland in buffer zone in the boundaries of the site separate the site from train noise, maximize the wildlife freedom and improve green space connectivity. Natural succession are encouraged in this habitat. Wildflower meadow This habitat occurred along the woodland edge. Providing seasonal interest to visitors and shelter for invertebrates. Wetland (pond, reedbed, wet grassland, wet woodland) Wetland habitats following the water feature extend to the central area of the site. The specific riparian habitat might be vary depends on the specific riverside situation. Urban planting bed (street tree, rain garden, bio- swale, good roof): The established urban green feature extend green feature to the urban area and make a connection between newbuilt habitat and urban area. Also, the green space soften the hard urban landscape. Additionally, urban green space is the significant element of sustainable urban drainage system, where the rainwater could flows following green roof to rain garden. The overflows could be collected by bio- swale and absorbed by central green space or wetland area.
Figure 17. Grassland
Figure 20. Wetland
Figure 18. Woodland
Figure 19. Flowering Meadow
Figure 21. Green parking
Figure 22. Urban planting bed- street tree/ rain gardenm
2.4. Faunal species. 2.4.1. The ideal situation of the designed landscape is the ecological- rich corridor, where interplay between habitat and species promotes mutual improvement. Mosaic habitat meets the living requirement of key indicator species and also benefit from the influence of species have on local ecosystem. New plants introduced could attract more wildlife and support anti- flooding scheme. 2.4.2. Proposed species: Bat (key species) Remained linear plantation help bats locate the site. Diverse types of woodland intentionally attract different bat species into the site, together with water habitat and grassland, provide potential roosting and foraging opportunities Otter (key species) No otters were observed on the site. The species could be introduced by extension of suitable riparian habitat. The fresh water provide foraging habitat and wetland habitats offer possible roosting opportunity for species. 6
Designed New Landscape Water vole Wetland habitat and freshwater provide suitable living habitat for water vole. Densely vegetated waterside provide feeding habitat for species. White-clawed Crayfish Fresh water provide possible existence for crayfish. Indicator species for better water quality. Butterfly Existing brownfield could be an attraction for some butterfly species such as Dingy skipper (Erynnis Tages) and Grizzled skipper (Pyrgus malvae) Woodland rides, glades, and clearings provide living habitat for these butterfly. Butterflies even active in post- industrial remains such as disused gas tube, spoil heaps, railway lines and rubbish tips. Heathland, damp grassland could also provide breeding habitat. Bird Mix or new woodland, grassland and wet habitat provide board roosting, nesting and breeding site for birds. The bird species identified in nottingham that might adjust to the site is barn owl and nightjar, which is a brownfield species and Migratory species. The insert- rich habitat such as the grassland and meadow provide foraging habitat for both species.
Figure 23. Bat
Figure 26. Water vole
Figure 24. Otter
Figure 27. White-clawed Crayfish
Figure 25. Barn owl
Figure 28. Nightjar
3. Landscape evaluation in identified key zone 3.1. The key zone 250 m2 area located in the middle of the site, which includes the floating island on the water and part of the riparian habitat and semi-natural deciduous woodland, with board walking paving along the river. This area concentrate on how the species change in transition zone and specific design approaches are utilized to minimize the edge effect between different habitat. Also, the variety of habitat in the key zone could give a mini feeling of the whole site and the similar management approaches could be repeated in habitats in rest of area. 3.2. Habitat evaluation New habitat in key area is a transition zone from aquatic habitat to terrestrial habitat, which including freshwater, wetland and woodland. The range of habitats created on the area is trying to support a variety of species, including 7
Designed New Landscape some specific approaches to the key species or significant species. Providing potential roosting and foraging habitat for bats and otter, nesting habitat for birds and shelter area for invertebrates, diverse local food web and ecosystem. 3.2.1. Wetland habitat (Freshwater, marsh, wet grassland) Wetland habitat is the main habitat in the key zone. It’s including a variety of water related habitat from aquatic habitat to terrestrial habitat such as freshwater, wet grassland, reedbed. Restoration of urban wetland is significant to improvements to water quality, habitat, water storage and other functions. It also have a high potential in enhancing biodiversity value of the area. It provides foraging and roosting habitat for bats and otters, nesting habitat for wetland birds. Marsh and in wet grassland shelter for a number of insect species like butterflies. 3.2.2. Woodland (Carr woodland, glades, rides, woodland edge) Secondary semi- natural broadleaved deciduous woodland. This is coppiced open woodland, including a main use of tree species such as oak, alder and in dry woodland, which is trying to build a physical connection and continuous habitat to the surrounding natural reserve, joining the green network in a wider context. Water - lover species such as willows are planted in carr woodland where is more humid and dump. Same species of individual trees planted in the boundary to form linear feature for bats to locates themselves. As a new tree plantation, there is a lack of ancient trees and ground fauna, the multi- aged wood structure could be achieved during management. Coppicing method is utilized to stimulate the woodland growth of various tree species, promoting wildlife value and more mini- habitat like glades and rides in various vegetation structure. Woodland edges formed during process and minimize the edge effect from woody tree plantation to herbaceous meadow planting. Woodland provides potential roosting habitat for bats, shelter for woodland butterfly species, nesting habitat for birds and herptiles. Woodland could be used to solve the problem of soil erosion and flooding. Phytoremediation of plantation would address to contamination problem. Also, open woodland provide recreational and educational opportunities for people. 3.3. Floral species Oak in Woodland- native species introduced from nearby natural reserve. (Harrison's Plantation) Common Reed in marsh area- provide shelter/ purification. 3.4 Faunal species Bat (key species) A number of bat species spreading in nottingham (Natterer’s, Pipistrelle, Noctule, Leisler’s, Brown long- eared, Serotine Bat). It could be a useful tool to help improving the natural succession and be a indicator of other species. (eg. served as pollinators, pest controllers, seed dispersers and reforesters.) Remained mature trees on the edge of the site and new linear plantation (hedgerows and tree lines) help bats locate the site. Multi- aged woodland attract different bat species into the site and could provide warm breeding sites in trees and buildings in summer. Cold, secure hibernation sites in winter. Restoration of insect- rich habitat such as wetland habitat and grassland, provide potential roosting and foraging opportunities. Otter (key species) Otter is listed in the Biodiversity Action plan of Nottingham city. Otter have a high requirement on the water quality of their living environment, so the appearance of the otter on the site indicate the improvement of water quality and diverse aquatic ecosystem. 8
3.5. Ecological solution to the environmental issues. Ecological issues & solutions 3.5.1. Target Issues description: 3.5.1. Target Issues description: Problem
Cause
Effect
Soil Erosion
change in catchment hydrology
Soil Erosion
Fragmented landscape
- Vegetation fragmentation and isolation
Land contamination
- Past industrial activities
Weeds
Exotic weeds restrain local vegetation growth Result from its rapid annual growth and quick spread.
- Isolation of vegetation communities - “Edge effects” - Tree or shrub death - Waterlogging - Salinity - Water barren stress land and lost valuehabitat for -biodiversity lost of suitable wildlife - Reduce the various vegetation growth and suppress development of local planting community - Break the balance of existing ecosystem
Flooding
Soil erosion and low capacity of land the retain water
3.5.2. Solutions to remove degraded influences Erosion: 3.5.2. Solutions to remove degraded influences To the site, the first step could be use the gentle slope landscape to replace the existing river bank to prepare the Erosion: ground for proposed wetland habitat. The following step is the vegetation management, maximise the green ground the site, firstholding step could be use landscape to replace existing river outside cover andTo enhance thethe water capacity of the the gentle land. Atslope the early stage, fence couldthe be built to exclude bank to preparenatural the ground for proposed wetland with habitat. The following step is theis focusing on the redisturbance. Promoting regeneration of vegetation revegetation works, which introduction of effective wetland plants with robust roots ground in wetland habitat vegetation management, maximise the green cover andarea. enhance the water holding capacity of the land. At the early stage, fence could be built to exclude outside disturbance.
AccordingPromoting to the statistics, half of theofarea is green space, wind erosion will bewhich solved. When theonpercentage go naturalwhen regeneration vegetation with revegetation works, is focusing up to seventy, soilintroduction erosion could be solved.wetland plants with robust roots in wetland habitat area. the reof effective Fragmented landscape According to the statistics, when half of the area is green space, wind erosion will be solved. GenerallyWhen speaking, it requires go enhancement of the and be quality of existing vegetation and increasing the percentage up to seventy, soilcondition erosion could solved. the connectivity of native species through strategic revegetation and reintroduction of native species similar to surrounding reserve. “Edge effect” need to be minimized during the process. Fragmented landscape Generally speaking, it requires enhancement of the condition and quality of existing
Land contamination vegetation and increasing the connectivity of native species through strategic revegetation Creating and ecological purification pondspecies and growing and terrestrial with purification function high reintroduction of native similar aquatic to surrounding reserve.plant “Edge effect” need to be tolerance minimized to pollutedduring landscape. the process. Weed control Land contamination Typical weed found in the area is Japanese knotweed and Butterfly Bush, which could be removed by digging out Creating ecological purification pond and growing aquatic and terrestrial plant with and herbicide in ground preparation stage. purification function high tolerance to polluted landscape.
Flooding Weed control New construction of eco- friendly flood defence. (SUDS system and wetland habitat.)
Typical weed found in the area is Japanese knotweed and Butterfly Bush, which could be removed by digging out and herbicide in ground preparation stage.
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Management Plan 4. Management plan. 4.1. Vision: Create mosaic habitat with high biodiversity value, robust environment during management. 4.2. Aim: Maintaining and enhancing existing habitat Address to the existing issues that lead to the degraded landscape. Creating new natural habitat in the appropriate location and give attention to the key species in habitats to ensure local ecosystem stay resilient when facing changing environmental pressures, like climate change. Selecting appropriate plant species for new habitat creation to make it connect to local planting community and promote local biodiversity value. Monitoring the progress of management. 4.3 Management Objectives Due to the main habitat of site is brownfield at present and the ecological design of the site is extensively change the existing habitat, So the habitat management is divided into two phases. In phase one, the construction of the landscape is finished in a very primary stage, where only embryonic form of the final product could be seen. Phase two is the further development of phase one, which focus on the human intervention on established habitat during natural succession. The design vision could be achieved through various management approaches. Further implications might be made in the end of the phase two. 4.3.1. Objective One- Semi- natural broadleaved deciduous woodland a. Enhancing existing habitat and afforestation on contamination site Retaining existing woody species near riverside and expand the vegetation cover to create a new woodland around original woody area. To begin with, after ground preparation, mix native tree species planted in the target area. Following naturalistic planting style and creating scalloped edges, which is to increase the interaction with other habitat and give more shelter for invertebrate. South- facing scallops is better in attracting butterfly species. General management to improve the ground flora and understorey is applied to the woodland. In the later stage, more specific management approaches could be applied to the specific area. b. General management Coppicing Applied coppicing on rotation in 15 year cycle. Coppicing is a process that cutting down the selected tree or shrub to the ground level in late winter to stimulate the new growth from stump. Regularly coppicing work on woodland could create temporary glades which would gradually develop mosaic mini- habitat from light to deep shade, diversify the vegetation structure and benefit wildlife such as related insects, birds and other species. According to the survey by RSPB in 1992, the number and variety of bird species increase in coppiced area. Open area created also encourage the growth of lower flowering plants and invertebrates and butterflies that need warm area. Determine the core area of woodland that don’ t need coppicing to provide nesting site for bird. To the bat, coppicing area could be good for them to foraging and roosting. For the female bat in breeding period, non- coppicing woods that warmer and more enclosed and less disturbance could be appropriate. Scalloped edges could be developed during management. All coppicing work need to be carried out outside the bird breeding season. Thinning 10
Management Plan Tree tubes Prevent new trees/plantation from directly eaten by animals. Weed Control For common weed that could deprive the nutrition of tree could be treated by glyphosate herbicide. For some weed like nettle, split, cows and thorns living in semi- shady area, planting weed suppression species and low level shrubs could help weaken the effect. Young trees Using of formative pruning to promote the best structure for the tree. Annual checks should be made to tree protection and support Standing deadwood There are 20% of woodland fauna species such as fungi and mosses rely on the deadwood, especially beetles and flies. Therefore, standing deadwood or fallen deadwood in woodland should be retained. It could be put around the base of tree for habitat piles. It provides food and cover for many invertebrates. Additionally, cut wood could be reused in path as wood chips or made as wood piles for wildlife. 4.3.2 Objective Two- Wetland Habitats Wetland area Wetlands are especially critical habitats for wildlife, and exceed all other land types in wildlife productivity. In the first year, annual weed growth may be cut back to encourage growth of other pernnial. Establishment at the beginning could be patchy and take several years to become fully colonised. Island Design winter flooding in island near canal to make them as covered by water in winter and exposed by falling water levels immediately prior to nesting. In central peninsula, geotextile sheet could be set in the soil. It would be control weed and contain nutrient. The geotextile sheet could prevent weeds get nutrient from deeper soil, also birds’ faeces could be retained on the island to nutrient the soil for better revegetation. Re- building will be essential in the future since the soil erosion. Moist- soil management for waterbirds Keep soil always moist by irrigation or designed flooding to encourage production of vegetation seeds and invertebrates to provide food for water birds. Invertebrate biomass could be increased during management. The study conducted in 1982 indicated that invertebrate biomass reach to peak point in the ear successional wetland. Reflooding could release nutrient from soil and decomposition of flooded terrestrial vegetation which feeding fish and invertebrate. And birds could prey fish this time. What is more, this management could contribute a lot to vegetation since undesired vegetation could be removed by reflooding. Topographic variation of water side Provide both open water habitat and shallow- water and open marginal habitat. Using topographic variation to create freshwater habitat with different depth. Wet grassland According to the survey, there are 1.2 million ha of wet grassland in Britain while only 7% of them have actually biodiversity value. A number of scared bird species are partly or wholly dependent on lowland wet grassland, such as lapwing snipe and redshank. Mowing once a year in September. Native wetland species like reeds, rushes, sedges are planted. Mix planting of wildlife rich meadow in drier area. 11
Management Plan 4.3.3. Objective Three- Access The key zone is mostly inaccessible for visitors which is naturally blocked by wildlife meadow and woodland edge. Allowing natural succession freely. 4.3.4. Objective Four- Monitoring Described in attached action plan. 5. Prescription- plan of work (Attached Action Plan) Phase one (First five years) Site stabilisation- Approaches is to minimize the degraded influence and keep the land condition stable while just create habitat in design. Phase two (Last ten years ) Environmental reconstruction- restore the land to the desired condition.
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Sowing additional woodland w ildflower s eeds w hen s hade increase to 50%. More seeds of low shrub species o r f lowering p lants could b e sowed after coppicing when t he o pen g lades a re a vailable.
Weed removal herbicide treatment i n 1 m d iameter weed free area(eg. glyphosate). Annual check in phase two.
Coppicing Carried out on rotation. Expected from t he c ore area identified o n
One
One/ two
Two
Spread 2m topsoil in planting area, t hen s owing s eed m ixtures. Tree species choice: large percentage E olonising / Edge species planting 2 4m a part goat w illow Salix c aprea Alder Alnus glutinosa Birch Betula pendula Small percentage Local h igh forest species Oak Quercus rubra Ash Fraxinus excelsior Planting in naturalistic style and l eave s calloped edge.
Action
Woodland One
Phas e
Area Habitat
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Y 2
Y Y Y 3 4 5
Y 6
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
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Y 1
6 metre sown margin the 2 3 metres a gainst the boundary s hould be left uncut, t he n ext 34 m etres c ut once o r t wice a y ear.
Annual cutting in September.
Pond margins will be m ade up by s everal s hallow slopes (maximum 1:2 gradient), including p latform at 0 .5m d epth intervals, and grading down t o a m aximum d epth of 1m. T he ponds with a naturally fluctuating w ater l evel w ill b e part of u rban drainage system. natural c olonisation o f p lant a nd animal communities would b e encouraged. Primary water management system is t rying t o a chieved in t his stage.
Annual monitoring o f pond l ife quality and water r egimes t he f irst five years then every three years.
Woodland Two edge
Two
One
Two
Glade /rides
Wetland
Remove s ycamore (if sycamore a ppears i n future) Annual checking for possible appearance o f s ycamore. Remove two to three trees every year.
Two
Tree tubes
Two
the site, rest of the area will be c oppiced e very 5 y ear in a 1 5 year cycle. Deadwood will be retained i n t he s ite f or p iles o r path material.
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Vegetation would be cut t wice a year in l ate M arch a nd a im to c ut again in early Autumn.Cutting w ill b e from t he c entre outwards to avoid disturbance to wildlife.
A shallow scrape with a convoluted m argin w ill b e excavated to expose the subsoil at a d epth t hat allows s hallow f looding i n t he winter months. The marsh will be rainfed systems w ith a n aturally fluctuating water level.
Variation of vegetation structure. C utting b ack a nd r emoving s hort sections of vegetation e very 23 y ears in rotation.
Annual monitoring of plant species c omposition d uring t he f irst five y ears then every three years.
Wet Two grassland
One
Two
One/ Two
Marsh
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