An innovative approach to drainage has created a biodiversity rich landscape
The transformation of a low-lying flood plain in Reading has created Green Park: one of Europe's largest business parks, comprising a 72-hectare complex of offices and leisure facilities. Our ecology team worked closely with the park’s owners, Oxford Properties, to enhance biodiversity value and promote enjoyment of the park by business users and the local community.
We were originally approached in 1981 by the landowner, who was seeking to redevelop the low-grade sewage farmland. We recognized the potential and value of the land and led negotiations to obtain the necessary approvals and agreements to commence development of the site.
Over the life of the project, we carried out the complete infrastructure design for Green Park and have provided a range of multidisciplinary consulting services, including project co-ordination and management through the feasibility, pre-planning and planning stages. We overcame the single biggest hurdle of the project by developing an innovative flood relief scheme which formed the water features that give the development its spacious, park-like feel. The innovative approach to drainage has created a biodiverse rich landscape, dominated by Longwater Lake with its fringing reedbeds improving the quality and value of the property offering.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Oxford Properties
- Award
- Wildlife Trust’s Biodiversity Benchmark 2015
- Corporate Achievement Award 2015 , Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
- Highly Commended - CIEEM’s Best Practice Large-Scale Nature Conservation 2019
Elaine Richmond, Director of Environmental Consulting
Providing effective environmental consultancy advice allows high quality outcomes for communities, the environment and our clients.
Helen Evriviades, Senior Associate Ecologist
Real benefits come from collaborating to determine innovative solutions for clients, in parallel with positive outcomes for biodiversity
Kerry Elliott, Senior Associate Ecologist
Positive outcomes for biodiversity when there’s development require an understanding of community needs and early stakeholder relationships.
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