LANDSCAPING SERVICES
PICTORIAL MEADOWS AND THE GREENING OF
SHEFFIELD :
A GREY TO GREEN SUDS SUCCESS STORY
infiltration and retention to meet civil engineering specifications , whilst creating optimal conditions for a wide range of ornamental plants .
Sheffield ’ s Grey to Green scheme stands as the UK ’ s largest retrofit Sustainable Urban Drainage System ( SuDS ) project and inner-city ‘ Green Street ’ – a testament to innovative urban renewal . This ambitious initiative , developed in partnership with Sheffield City Council , reimagined a 1.6km stretch of dual carriageway reduced from four lanes to two , following the construction of an outer ring road .
Simon Ogden , who was then Head of City Regeneration at Sheffield City Council , conceived the idea of a revolutionary landscape scheme as part of the city ’ s response to the catastrophic 2007 floods . Seeking a revolutionary approach to landscape design , Ogden enlisted the expertise of Professor Nigel Dunnett from the University of Sheffield ’ s Department of Landscape Architecture and founder of Pictorial Meadows .
Mitigating Flood Risk The Grey to Green initiative primarily focused on managing surface water by reducing runoff , treating water through rain gardens and bioswales , and mitigating flood risks near the River Don . However , its vision extended beyond these goals . The project increased urban biodiversity , protected pedestrians from air pollution , achieved urban cooling through tree planting , and addressed water contamination . Additionally , green spaces within the project promoted health and wellbeing , offering residents beautiful areas for recreation . The transformation also spurred investment and economic benefits by revitalising the area and encouraging further development . Wider pavements and inspirational landscapes have significantly improved the pedestrian experience and community spaces .
An Integrated Planting Solution Pictorial Meadows has been involved with the project since its inception in 2014 to its ninth growing season in 2024 . The original planting scheme was developed by Pictorial Meadows ’ founder , Professor Nigel Dunnett , with input from Landscape Architect Zac Tudor . The visually striking planting scheme included a mix of native and non-native species , designed to ensure colourful , resilient meadows with multi-layered ecological benefits . The installation of Phase 2 of the planting scheme was meticulously managed by Pictorial Meadows , coordinating closely with contractors and Sheffield City Council .
Specialist Substrate Core to the success of the project was the specification of the specialist substrate developed and supplied by Pictorial Meadows . The substrate was engineered to govern water
Sustaining Success Maintenance , often an overlooked aspect , has been vital to the project ’ s sustainability . Pictorial Meadows ’ ongoing commitment to skilled and knowledgeable maintenance ensures the thriving long-term management of these ecosystems . Entering its ninth year , the project continues to improve Sheffield ’ s resilience to heavy rainfall and flooding , displaying the transformative power of sustainable and biodiverse urban landscapes .
As part of The Green Estate Community Interest Company , Pictorial Meadows has been creating adaptive and resilient urban green spaces for over twenty years . Our mission has always been to create more sustainable , resilient and liveable cities by integrating nature into urban planning and design .
Contact us to learn more about our integrated planting solution for SuDs schemes that encompasses the supply of substrates , plants , meadow turf and skilled labour .
pictorialmeadows . co . uk Photos © Alastair Johnstone
( Climate Visuals )
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