GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
broad range of species that can be planted . When living wall systems don ’ t deliver biodiversity net gain , it is typically because they have been planted solely with non-native ornamental species that offer limited value to native biodiversity such as bees and burrowing insects , and result in poor condition .
Living walls that are designed with a soil-based system that can support native species are more likely to fulfil biodiversity net gain requirements and provide a lasting impact . A soil-based system also gives longevity to the installation , setting it up to be a permanent feature of the urban landscape , making it more likely to meet the requirements of the upcoming Environment Bill , which sets out the requirement for habitats to be managed and monitored for a minimum of 30 years .
A ‘ lifetime ’ living wall creates an alternative ecological habitat ( including nesting areas ), and provides benefits to the local environment for years to come .
Jessica Beattie , Senior Landscape Architect at SpaceHub Design said :
“ At London Wall Place our vision was to create a verdant landscape , with three gardens at different levels all connected by vertical planting . The idea of nature reclaiming the city , with wild and abundant character , meant that green walls were integral to the whole design . One of our main concepts was to create the impression of a native hedgerow on the high walk , with discovery species such as primroses and wild strawberries within the fabric . Using a soil-based living wall system quickly delivered abundant healthy growth as well as the opportunity to renew planting over time .”
How can living walls best deliver on biodiversity net gain ?
Façade-bound green walls , like those created at London Wall Place , have greater potential to support rich biodiversity than other systems , due to the presence of soil and the
ANS Global has partnered with AECOM , the world ’ s premier infrastructure consulting firm , to produce two advice guides on incorporating urban green infrastructure within developments , designed to help professionals achieve biodiversity net gain in new developments .
The guides lay out best practice methods in using the Biodiversity Metric to assess how urban green infrastructure contributes to achieving biodiversity net gain , as well as explaining the differences between green infrastructure habitats and illustrating how each habitat should be designed to ensure biodiversity units can be achieved .
The two guides ; “ Using Urban Green Infrastructure to Achieve
Biodiversity Net Gain ” and “ Urban Green Infrastructure Technical
Guide ” are available for free download at www . ansgroupglobal . com / buildingwith-biodiversity-net-gain-pr .
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