The idea
Following our 2021 eco crowdfunder, we'll install biodiverse Roof/Bike/Bin Stores that will serve necessary function and also create new wildlife habitats and forage for pollinators and birds.
• 140–200mm depth of green roof substrate (much, much more than a sedum mat).
• Drought tolerant planting using native wildflowers and other nectar-rich species.
• Creates a food source for bees, butterflies, moths and other invertebrates.
• External wildlife habitat panels providing space for:
Solitary bees - harmless and important pollinators.
Bird nesting - in carefully integrated boxes.
Invertebrates - provides refuge, forage and overwintering
spaces.
• Tailored to location and local BAP target
species
The project will result in storage for bins, covered cycle racks to encourage low carbon modes of transport, and green roof for insulation/biodiversity, that will not only serve practical purposes, but look beautiful and increase environmental gains.
What we'll deliver
- Biodiverse Bin Store
- Biodiverse Cycle Rack
- Biodiverse Roof
Why it's a great idea
Bins with benefits! With deep biodiverse growing mediums and wildlife habitat panels , providing nesting & forage for solitary bees (harmless and important pollinators), bird box nesting (blue & great tits, house sparrows). The roofs support the 225kg/m2 necessary for a genuinely biodiverse growing roof - ranging from 500kg to 3.5ton per roof. Most other products with ‘green roofs’ use a lightweight planted ’mat’ that has very limited wildlife value. Planting is a selection of nectar-rich, native plants, with some additional non-native plants and bulbs for early and late season pollinators. All are drought tolerant, thrive on low-fertility substrate and in 'stressed' environments. Roofs are natural and self-sustaining, reflecting the seasons - how wet or dry it's been. Project creates new areas for plants, insects and birds that can be seen, but don't get disturbed frequently, and are free from herbicide use. Planting tailored by ecologists to local conditions or BAPS target species.
Steps to get it done
- Landscaping to prepare ground
- Installation of biodiverse bike and bin structures
- Installation of biodiverse roof planting
- Preperation and planting of SuDS rain garden
This project puts the finishing touches to the long, challenging, eco community development of 2 derelict LCC assets. Bringing these unloved spaces back into use has been done by, for and with the community, with a very strong ethical committment to environmental care every step of the way. These ecological and biodiverse solutions to waste and cycle storage provide the perfect solution in keeping with the organic and environmentally sustainable development of the site. In a social impact valuation conducted with help from Kindred and other funders Power To Change and The Tudor Trust, it's estimated the enterprise will bring over £10m in social benefits once complete, in addition to the almost £1m actually invested in the authority assets to date. The development has led to equivalent 2.2 FT jobs, and will lead to a further 3 FT jobs plus increased opportunities for placements and volunteering. Training of volunteers in sustainable building material Hempcrete created new local eco SME
