Kingswood Park, Epping - SuDS Management
SuDS or Sustainable Drainage Systems play a key role across residential developments, mitigating flood risks and providing ecological value.
Meadfleet ensure both the effective functioning of the SuDS whilst increasing their biodiversity potential.
Kingswood Park, Epping - SuDS
Our regional manager for the Southeast, Daniel Rushbrook, has been working alongside residents of Kingswood Park in Epping to create new habitat and increase the biodiversity of their residential SuD pond.
Residents have worked hard to construct a variety of habitat piles to provide refuge and shelter for an array of wildlife – including reptiles, ground-dwelling mammals and invertebrates. Nearby tree maintenance provided a great opportunity to utilise oak that was left over for habitat provision.
Ponds are valuable to many bird species as they attract invertebrates as a natural food source, provide clean, oxygenated water to drink and offer an accessible place to bathe. Therefore, Meadfleet have donated bird feeders and nest boxes which have been added to the area to support visiting and local birds.
Meadfleet arranged a community winter cutting session where our area regional manager, contractors and residents worked alongside one another to carry out the required maintenance.
It is excellent to see the efforts of residents on our sites taking action for nature within their local area, and we look forward to witnessing the ecological benefits of this new diverse habitat at Kingswood Park.
Improving areas for biodiversity is a key part of our approach to open space management. Our in-house ecologists identify opportunities for ecological enhancements and ensure appropriate management of these features.
With the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain regulations it is important that developers find the right management solution to manage open spaces to meet the requirements of the legislation. Find out more about Biodiversity Net Gain.
Biodiversity Net Gain Delivery: Yorkshire
Led by our team of ecologists, our operations department are continually identifying ways in which we can enhance the open spaces in our management for biodiversity. Whilst existing residential developments are not affected by Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations, our improvements follow the principles of BNG, ensuring the biodiversity value of an area is enhanced.
Biodiversity Net Gain Delivery: Woodland Improvements
This is one example of a project we undertook on a development near Pontefract known as ‘Instinct’. The scheme was built by Strata and the open spaces handed over to Meadfleet in 2013.
In this example our team used the Biodiversity Net Gain methodology to assess habitat types and conditions, and programme a schedule of works to enhance the biodiversity value.
Nestled adjacent to a recent housing development, the Instinct woodlands have been under Meadfleet management since 2013, following a rich history of varied land use. From its origins as part of Ackworth Moor Top Far Quarry to its later occupation by the Seals buildings, this area has undergone significant transformations. Today, it emerges as a wooded embankment adorned with semi-mature sycamore and Norway maple trees. Now under Meadfleet’s care, these woodlands hold promise for biodiversity restoration and habitat enhancement. They also serve as a practical example for implementing the Biodiversity Net Gain process.
Upon surveying the site, Meadfleet’s ecology team recognised its potential for habitat improvement. Using the UKHab methodology, our survey classified the woodland as ‘Other woodland; broadleaved’ with a ‘poor’ condition. Confirming the site required intervention, Meadfleet intend to elevate the habitat condition from ‘poor’ to ‘moderate’.
After conducting wildlife assessments, site management was underway with the initial felling of non-native sycamore. In February 2024, our Operations Team spent two days planting over 250 native tree saplings, planting native woodland wildflower and clearing the woodland floor. Felled materials were collected and utilised to create habitat piles on site. The Biodiversity Metric results proposed that these improvement works generated 2 Biodiversity Units.
We’re getting ready for the upcoming phase of improvements at Instinct, focusing on removing the invasive Himalayan Balsam from the woodland. This gives our team the chance to assess the initial progress of their earlier efforts and shadow the ecologist during the yearly woodland survey. The Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan in place provides a roadmap for keeping us on target, ensuring sustained habitat improvement over the next 30 years. We look forward to implementing further improvements and sharing the benefits of our efforts at Instinct!
Improving areas for biodiversity is a key part of our approach to open space management. Our in-house ecologists identify opportunities for ecological enhancements and ensure appropriate management of these features.
With the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain regulations it is important that developers find the right management solution to manage open spaces to meet the requirements of the legislation. Find out more about Biodiversity Net Gain.
The Meadfleet Academy: Aylesbury
This is one example of the work we undertake in communities across the 340+ developments we manage in England & Wales. We encourage the next generation in initiatives such as wildlife campaigns and educational projects. At this school in Aylesbury we have worked together in a number of ways….
Green Ridge School
In 2017 Meadfleet took handover of open spaces on Bellway’s Foxlow Grange development in Aylesbury. The scheme is part of the wider, multi-developer, ‘Berryfields’ housing development.
Alongside 3000 new homes the development includes new community facilities, shops and schools.
One of the schools is Green Ridge Primary Academy and Meadfleet have been working with them since 2019 when we provided a donation to help improve their gardens with a new shed and some fruit trees.
Engaging with Nature
Our Ecology and Conservation Manager, Paul Cassidy MCIEEM, is a STEM ambassador. This means he is part of a network of volunteers aiming to educate and inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Paul’s focus is on ecology, passing on his enthusiasm for the natural world.
As part of our Meadfleet Academy, Paul provides wildlife-themed presentations. The children at Green Ridge learnt about different kinds of habitat and how these support a variety of wildlife.
Planting Fun
We arranged and led a hands-on gardening experience with the children and provided plants and equipment for the wildlife planting session.
The children got stuck in and planted some pollinator friendly flowers in their garden.
We also supplied goody bags, activity sheets and seeds for the children to take home and enjoy with their families.
The above is just one example of Meadfleet’s work with schools across England and Wales. We are committed to inspiring future generations in biodiversity and sustainability matters.
Click here for more information on our work in local communities.
If you would like to nominate a school to join our academy, you can provide their details here.
Managing Open Space for Biodiversity: Leeds
Persona is an 86 home development in Yorkshire with 3.4 acres of open space incorporating wildlife habitats and amenity spaces for residents. Meadfleet have managed the open spaces since 2014 and with the support of Buglife, we have been improving the biodiversity value of the areas….
Persona, Leeds
In 2014, Yorkshire-based developer, Strata, entrusted the open spaces on Persona, an 86-property development to the west of Leeds, to Meadfleet.
The 3.4 acres of open space at Persona were designed to provide habitats and food for wildlife and to deliver amenity value to residents.
Habitat areas include:
- Native hedgerows such as hawthorn, mature trees including birch, ash and oak and shrub beds containing pollinator friendly plants including hebe.
- A large wildflower meadow including Creeping thistle, Birds foot trefoil and Rose-bay willowherb.
- A pond and wetland area surrounded by willows providing valuable forage to spring pollinators such as solitary bees and newly emerged queen bumblebees.
Sustainable Management:
- The large, attractive wildflower areas are managed carefully to promote the growth of native species. These areas provide pollen and nectar for herbivorous insects and provide a range of nesting, egg laying and shelter opportunities.
- Mown paths have been implemented through the wildflower and pond areas to provide definition and enable users to enjoy these features.
- Shorter grass areas are left at a length that allows low-growing wildflowers such as clover and selfheal to appear which benefit bees and other insects. Structural variations to the grasslands are beneficial to invertebrate species and other wildlife.
- A ‘Hibernaculum’ has been created close to the pond providing a safe place for wildlife such as voles, frogs and grass snakes to shelter. The marginal vegetation surrounding the pond offers habitat for species such as great crested newts.
- We have donated 500 sqm of additional native wildflower and nearly 3000 bulbs including daffodils, bluebells and tulips to improve the open spaces further for the benefit of pollinators and to provide attractive displays of colour.
Working with Buglife
Meadfleet work in partnership with the UK’s leading insect charity Buglife. With their support we implemented a Bee Friendly Campaign, making enhancements to benefit pollinating insects, creating new habitats and engaging residents and communities in this campaign.
We invited Dr Catherine Jones from Buglife, to Persona, to assess the open spaces, the impact of our work and to provide expert guidance for further improvements.
Plans for the future
With guidance from Buglife, our future plans include the addition of wild garlic to provide early blooms for bees, the implementation of a bee bank to offer nesting resources plus further variations in vegetation heights to enhance habitat diversity.
To find out more about Buglife, please visit their website.
To view more of our work, visit our Portfolio page.
Working with Residents: Halifax
Our approach is to work side-by-side with residents. Fountainhead Village is a 284 home development in Halifax. We’ve been managing open spaces here for 15 years and have worked closely with the residents in relation to the management of their open spaces and on a number of community initiatives….
Fountainhead Village - Working with Residents
We’ve been managing open spaces on the Fountainhead Village development in Halifax for over 14 years. Our maintenance teams visit weekly all year round to look after the selection of open spaces that serve the 284 properties on the development.
There is a strong sense of community on the development and we work closely with the residents to encourage this with a range of events and initiatives. This includes supporting events such as Easter egg hunts.
Wildlife Walks
We have also arranged wildlife events, including a bat walk led by our Ecology and Conservation Manager, Paul Cassidy MCIEEM. The area is known for bats and a bat house was installed as part of the new development.
During the bat walk Paul provided bat detectors which are specially designed to convert the inaudible ultra-sonic sounds to frequencies we can hear.
Other Activities
We donated and planted a tree in memory of HRH Queen Elizabeth II on the development, along with a display of native shrubs to commemorate her 70 year reign.
We were also pleased to provide funds to help the community install a lifesaving defibrillator.
Meadfleet are committed to working with residents to ensure we deliver the quality and service they deserve. We encourage the creation of resident’s groups on our developments so we can work together in the management of their open spaces.
Click here for more information about Meadfleet’s work with residents.
Biodiversity Net Gain Delivery: Lancashire
Grove Farm is a development of 67 properties in Lancashire with around 2000 sqm of open space, mostly consisting of amenity grass and trees. Since 2018 Meadfleet ecologists have implemented and carefully managed a number of enhancements for biodiversity resulting in the delivery of a 12% net gain….
Grove Farm
In 2018, Meadfleet took handover of Grove Farm, a development of 67 properties with approximately 2000 sqm of open space mostly consisting of amenity grassland and trees.
Grove Farm was built prior to the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain, however Meadfleet are committed to the continual improvement of open spaces for biodiversity and have been applying the principles of the new regulations on many of the open spaces we manage including this development.
Since 2018, Meadfleet have implemented biodiversity improvements including:
- 50m of new native species-rich hedgerow
- Encouragement of native ground vegetation along base of new hedgerow
- Creation of a 100% native wildflower strip between hedge and mown grassland
- Bulbs planted around trees to provide nectar and pollen
- No selective herbicides used on mown grass to help establish nectar-rich forbs in the sward
Ongoing monitoring and management
The development is visited regularly by our Ecology and Conservation Manager who monitors the open space to assess further improvements and any adaptations to the management required. An additional 100m2 of wildflower will shortly be added, increasing the Biodiversity Net Gain score further.
Biodiversity Net Gain requires a development to be left in a demonstrably better condition than before and plans must ensure a minimum 10% increase using the UKHab quantifying metric. As demonstrated below, the creation of new hedgerow and wildflower areas along with vegetation growth plus improved grassland condition from ‘moderate’ to ‘good’ results in a significant increase in units over and above the required 10%.
The above is just one example of how Meadfleet’s in-house expertise and long-term approach meets and exceeds the management and monitoring requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain.
For more information on Biodiversity Net Gain and how Meadfleet can deliver the 30-year covenant, please visit our dedicated BNG page.
Community Engagement: Ampthill
We believe it is important to support the communities we work in. Through relationships with local councils and charities we can widen the reach of our environmental initiatives. In this example in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, we work closely with a number of organisations, helping to inspire the next generation and improve their local environment….
Ampthill Community Engagement
We work closely with a residents group, local environmental charity and the town council to enhance the local area.
We’ve supported Ampthill Town Council’s Great Big Green week events with donations of bee hotels and bundles of bee and butterfly friendly seeds.
Environmental Events
We’ve contributed to community events such as a large-scale planting day at Ampthill Great Park. The day included planting new trees and hedgerow in the park with the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, local Mayor and school children.
We also supplied insect houses and helped install them to support pollinators.
Working Together
Working with Ampthill Town Council and the local environment group, Ampthill Climate Change, we arranged for our team to undertake some community litter picking.
Ampthill Great Park dates back to the 15th century and was re-landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century. Our team spent a morning at the park collecting rubbish to help improve the local facility and prevent any damage to the environment and wildlife.
At the heart of our approach to open space management is a belief in fostering strong community relationships and taking an active role in the neighbourhoods we work in. Click here for more information about Meadfleet’s work with local communities.
Tree Planting: Across England and Wales
At Meadfleet we continually improve the open spaces we maintain, both for residents and for biodiversity. We’ve been applying the principles of Biodiversity Net Gain for some time now by creating additional habitats on the land in our management. This includes by adding new trees, hedgerows and wildflower areas to the developments we look after….
Tree Planting Nationwide
Trees have a wealth of benefits to the environment and also to our well being. Not only do trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen they also reduce the impact of intense waterfalls by reducing water glow and help improve water quality.
It has also been proven that spending time near trees can have a positive impact on mental health. They also help cool the air and provide vital food and habitat for wildlife, helping to increase biodiversity.
Along with protecting existing trees, Meadfleet are increasing the number of trees on open spaces.
Community Planting
We have worked with The Woodland Trust who’ve provided 400 trees for various Meadfleet managed open spaces. Trees have the potential to absorb over 20kg of CO2 each year so these trees can make a huge difference to the environment.
We planted these trees with help from community groups and residents on their open spaces. Projects like this are a great way of improving open spaces at no additional cost to our customers.
Memorial Trees
To mark HRH The Queen’s 70 year reign we also donated and planted 70 trees across our managed open spaces all around England and Wales.
The trees were surrounded by a mixture of native plants such to make a real feature as they mature.
Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate supporter of environmental conservation and was involved in tree-planting initiatives throughout her reign so we felt this was an appropriate way of honouring her.
To find out more about our commitment to trees and woodlands, visit our Caring for Trees page.
Practical Open Space Handovers: Yorkshire
Meadfleet work with developers all over the country to facilitate straightforward transfers of open space into our management. We take a pragmatic approach to handovers and can often complete any required remedial works on behalf of developers. Meadfleet aim to make handovers as simple as possible whilst protecting residents from liabilities….
Finesse, Leeds - Handover
Finesse is a 51 unit residential development built by Strata to the north east of Leeds. The open spaces in management comprise grassed areas, informal play features, new and mature trees, shrub beds, parking bays and bin stores.
In early 2023 we began progressing the handover of the open spaces, working closely with the developer.
Together we identified and agreed a programme of remedial works that were required to bring the open spaces in line with the approved landscape plans.
Meadfleet arranged and supervised these works which included; litter and stone picking, tree works, vegetation clearance, application of soil and seed, creation and planting of shrub beds and fencing installation.
Works were carried out at the appropriate time to ensure shrubs and grassed areas would establish successfully.
Below are some before and after photos of the open spaces in Meadfleet’s management on Finesse:
By working closely with developers to complete open spaces we can ensure a swift and straightforward handover process whilst ensuring that customers benefit from open spaces that are laid out as intended and protecting them from any future liabilities.
To discuss how we can help with your open space handovers call 01438 890780, alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@meadfleet.co.uk
To view more of our work, visit our Portfolio page.
Bee Friendly Open Spaces: Leicestershire
We launched our ‘Bee Friendly’ campaign in 2019 with ambitious targets to increase the amount of pollinator habitats across open spaces. Funded by Meadfleet, the new habitats include wildflower meadows and pollen-rich hedgerows plus new bulb planting. On this development in Leicestershire we have implemented several bee friendly improvements….
Bluestones, Rearsby
Bluestones is a 36 home development with a large area of open space and play area. We’ve been working on enhancing the open spaces since we took handover in 2014.
Recent improvements include a range of pollen rich planting as part of our Bee Friendly campaign which launched in 2019.
In the first year of the campaign, Meadfleet donated 20,000 bulbs across our developments. Bluestones received 100s of these pollinator friendly bulbs.
Alongside the additional bulbs, we’ve also created a large attractive wildflower area on the development. This provides a colourful display for residents and offers food, shelter and habitat to a range of species including pollinators such as bees, butterflies and moths.
We’ve also created a large new shrub bed, filled with fragrant plants such as lavender, rosemary, hebe and ceanothus that will attract and support pollinating insects.
Improving areas for biodiversity is a key part of our approach to open space management. Our in-house ecologists identify opportunities for ecological enhancements and ensure appropriate management of these features.
With the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain regulations it is important that developers find the right management solution to manage open spaces to meet the requirements of the legislation. Find out more about Biodiversity Net Gain.