Landscape and Ecology

click here to view the updated landscape framework

click here to view the updated pedestrian and cycle network

Our landscape and ecology strategy responds to the site’s natural features, existing hedgerows and ecology habitats. It includes a network of green corridors
running along the site boundary to the north-west and along linear elements such as drainage ditches or hedgerows.

The green corridors are a dominant feature of the masterplan and will give the development its unique character. They will marry nature conservation, wildlife enhancement, play areas, drainage facilities and pedestrian movements to create a people friendly and attractive environment.

In addition to the green corridors, the new neighbourhood will also feature a large central park with sports pitches, a pavilion and informal green space.

Green corridors

These multi-functional corridors will support diverse ecological systems, including sustainable urban drainage (SUDS) which are inspired by the existing natural drainage patterns, minimising changes to the flow regime of the local area.

A mix of permanent and seasonal bodies of water will follow the natural topography and terminate in a wetland area with drainage ponds to the north-east of the development, towards Histon Road. Access to this area will be permitted to allow for recreational and educational activities. Throughout the landscape framework, swales will be designed to cater for periodic inundation.

Water runoffs from the built areas will be filtered through wetland planting, the design of which will provide diverse habitats for wildlife, including existing water voles. A variety of new wildlife habitats will be created including water courses, meadow strips, mown grass, species rich meadows with naturalised and native bulbs and native tree planting. It is envisaged that the green corridors will provide a spine from which the birds, bats, insects and animals can spread into the network of streets, squares and courtyards.

The green corridors will provide car-free routes for pedestrian and cyclists, with a series of interesting places for people to enjoy. The landform and planting will be used to create a variety of spaces and places for kids to play.

Central park

In contrast to the informal and ‘wild’ green corridors, the central park will have a more formal character. The park will be co-located with the main square, primary school and neighbourhood centre. The park will be delineated by treelined avenues providing both a formal boundary and separation from the traffic. The park will contain sports pitches, an expansive area of open grassland for active sports or kick-about sessions, a variety of groundcover treatments including meadow and bulb planting. The park will also include an ornamental pond surrounded by wetland planting and with the capacity to accommodate seasonal inundation.

A series of formal paths will structure the park including a central meandering spine route (which will also be used as a safe route to school) and network of minor paths which provide links between residential areas, the main sports/amenity facilities, and the central square.

Sports and children’s play facilities Sports, play and leisure opportunities will be provided across the site for all age groups. The sports facilities will include 2 senior football pitches, a cricket oval, three tennis courts and a multiuse games area (MUGA). A junior football pitch will be located within the primary school grounds and will be available for public use by prior booking. Children’s play areas will be located in the central park and green corridors, and sited so as to be overlooked by nearby houses to maximise natural surveillance. Tree and shrub planting will provide settings for imaginative play and attractive places for parents.

Wherever possible, children’s play areas will be located along safe routes to school to ensure easy access.

Street trees

The planting of deciduous trees along the streets will improve the micro-climate by providing shading in the hot summer months and allowing passive solar gains during the winter months. It will also reduce wind speeds and enhance privacy by acting as a buffer between the roads and the properties. Where on-street parking is allowed, street trees will be used to reduce the visual impact of vehicles.