An Ecological Assessment of riverside commercial premises into new housing
Introduction
This case study focuses on the ecological assessment and considerations undertaken during the development of a non-viable commercial site into a residential housing project. The project aimed to transform a historic riverside mill, now functioning as a factory, into environmentally friendly housing community, while also mitigating potential ecological impacts.
Project Background
The site, located in Frome, Somerset, was an industrial site encompassing approximately 1.5 hectares acres. The project involved the redevelopment of the site into a residential community.
Ecological Assessment
A comprehensive habitat and biodiversity assessment was carried out to identify the existing ecological value and potential impacts of the development. This included surveys of ecological features, such as the adjacent river and surveys of all of the buildings for bats.
3.3 Ecological Constraints and Opportunities
Based on the assessment, key ecological constraints and opportunities were identified. This included potential contamination risks, impacts on sensitive habitats or species, and opportunities for habitat restoration or enhancement.
One significant constraint was a population of lesser horseshoe bats which were living in several of the large buildings and were using a thick-walled building during cold weather and the roof void during warmer weather.
Habitat Restoration and Creation
To mitigate the ecological impact and enhance biodiversity, habitat restoration and creation initiatives were implemented. This included the protections of the adjacent river and planting of native vegetation, and integration of wildlife-friendly features throughout the development.
A significant feature of the project was the installation of a new bespoke building to house the bats. The building was situated adjacent to the river and provided a variety of roosting opportunities for different bat species.
Sustainable Design and Infrastructure
Ecological Corridor Design
The project retained an important ecological corridor along the adjacent river and green pathways to facilitate the movement of species and enhance connectivity within the development. This helped mitigate habitat fragmentation and support biodiversity conservation.
Monitoring and Adaptive Management
To ensure the long-term success of ecological restoration efforts, a monitoring and adaptive management program was established. This included regular monitoring of the bat barn, allowing for timely interventions and adjustments to conservation strategies.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of the site into a sustainable housing community showcased the potential for transforming a commercially unviable and contaminated area into vibrant and environmentally friendly neighbourhood. Through careful ecological assessment, habitat restoration, and sustainable design practices, the project successfully demonstrated that brownfield developments can contribute to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity while providing much-needed housing.
This case study underscores the importance of ecological consulting in brownfield redevelopment projects, emphasising the role of ecological consultants in guiding sustainable and ecologically responsible decision-making to create resilient and liveable communities.