LANDSCAPING SERVICES
MANSFIELD SUSTAINABLE FLOOD RESILIENCE PROJECT
collection for composting , silt removal , and the replacement of any soil and plant losses .
This groundbreaking £ 76 million initiative is one of Pictorial Meadow ’ s latest SuDs projects . The project has three core objectives : mitigating flood risks , enhancing biodiversity , and creating multifunctional green spaces .
The project aims to mitigate flood risks by incorporating a variety of nature-based solutions such as bioswales , detention basins , rain gardens and permeable pavements into the urban landscape to manage surface water runoff . The initiative will reduce flood risks for 90,000 residents , handling over 58 million litres of water and significantly improving local flood resilience . Additionally , the project will create 390 new jobs , further benefiting the community .
An Integrated Approach As part of The Green Estate Community Interest Company , Pictorial Meadows were able to provide an integrated solution that covered everything from substrate development to planting and ongoing maintenance .
The Green Estate developed a specialist substrate for the SuDS features , crafted from locally sourced , peat-free , reclaimed and recycled materials . This substrate is engineered to manage water infiltration and retention according to civil engineering standards , while providing optimal growing conditions for a range of ornamental and ecological plants .
Over 30,000 P9 plants specifically designed for bioswales and rain gardens were specified , sourced and dispatched . Additionally , over 3,000,000 perennial plants are being supplied in peat-free , plasticfree meadow turf mats , enhancing biodiversity and ecological functionality . The Pictorial Meadows ’ horticultural teams are set to plant more than 25,000 square meters of specialist plants between October 2024 and March 2025 .
To ensure the ongoing success of the SuDS features , a three-year maintenance program will be carried out . This will include irrigation , weed control , cutting , green biomass
Early Results Though the project is not scheduled for completion until 2025 , there have been positive results . The 20,000 SuDS features that have been installed have successfully managed stormwater during recent storms , significantly reducing flood hotspots .
Additionally , the project has already delivered environmental and biodiversity gains . Key areas like Mansfield ’ s historic marketplace have been transformed into vibrant rain gardens that combine ecological function with aesthetic appeal . These revitalised spaces are now greener , more attractive and more enjoyable for residents and they have contributed to mitigating the urban heat island effect and led to better air quality through reduced pollution .
With over 20 years of experience , Pictorial Meadows , part of The Green Estate Community Interest Company , continues to create sustainable , resilient urban spaces . Their mission is to integrate nature into urban planning , making cities more liveable and ecologically balanced .
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