Country life
Countryside news
By Tony Ridd
Artecology wins national award
Artecology , based at Yaverland , recently won a national award at the Big Biodiversity Challenge Awards in London .
The Awards are held annually by construction industry think tank , CIRIA and celebrate advances made by the sector for biodiversity in the built environment . Artecology ’ s winning entry , the Maxted Close Nature PlaySpace , a green corner of the Maxted Close housing estate in Cowes , was commissioned by Spectrum Housing and won the Small Scale Permanent category . CIRIA ’ s judging panel which includes construction industry leaders as well as landscape architects , celebrated the way the project packed in biodiversity gains , wildlife encounter , play , discovery and the simple concept of peace in a natural space , into just 400 square metres of mown grass ! Edible and inhabitable for wildlife , the sculpted arena and outdoor classroom , nectar-rich green wall , stag beetle tower , sculpted bird boxes and space made for Cowes ’ rarest flower , Pale Toadflax , ensured that the project also stood out for the range of BAP-listed species supported . A special commendation was also given for the way that the local community had joined in , working with Spectrum and Artecology at every stage from consultation to celebration ! Nigel George , Director at Artecology , explains , ‘ Interestingly , there were no planning or other conditions requiring the work be undertaken at Maxted Close . The initiative for change came from Spectrum Housing and the mission to create a multi-use wildlife playspace came from the Artecology team through consultation with local residents and Spectrum . Maxted has been an inspiring project for us as it shows the amazing power of small places to recover public realm , create biodiversity , make people happy and build social and ecological resilience .’ www . arc-consulting . co . uk
Green Army at Branstone Farm
The Green Army is a volunteer group for young people ( 16- 25 ) who take part in nature conservation and related activities across the Isle of Wight . It is coordinated by the Vectis Housing team as part of Wild about Wight . As
Pan Country Park , Newport : The Pollen Trail well as exploring Capability Brown ’ s designed landscape at Appuldurcombe they have also been hard at work at Branstone Farm , creating wildlife habitats and getting to know the new arrivals . claire @ vectishousing . co . uk
At Pan Country Park a new arts trail is being created ; the ‘ Pollen Trail ’ is funded by monies made available as part of the planning conditions for Pan / Bluebell Meadows development . The trail includes a series of carved wooden benches , which have already been installed and feature butterflies , dormice and the bullhead fish . The benches were carved by local chainsaw artist Paul Sivell . More sculptures are to follow . www . gifttonature . org . uk
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