Landscapes for brownfield invertebrates workshop

Designing Landscape for Brownfield Invertebrates Workshop

Sand planter designed for solitary bees

Date:

Wednesday 13th September 2017 from 10.00am – 5.00pm

Location:

Hilldrop, Laindon Road, Horndon on the Hill. Essex, SS17 8QB

Description:

Designing for Brownfield invertebrates is fun, practical and inspiring!

Although designing landscapes for invertebrates can seem a challenge, at Hilldrop, where the workshop takes place, John Little has been working with different landscape approaches for several years. The profusion of invertebrates in his garden is a testament to the success of this approach.. Furthermore, designing landscapes on green roofs will also be part of the course. The workshop location has plenty of examples of how these can be done too.

In summary the course will enable participants to learn about:

• different approaches to landscapes for brownfield invertebrates
• topography, substrate types and planting
• designing and constructing landscapes and landscape ‘objects’ for invertebrates
• design and construction of green roofs for rare invertebrates

Participants will gain both an understanding of a landscape approach to invertebrate conservation and practical experience in how to implement good landscapes and landscape features to benefit invertebrate biodiversity.  Participants also receive free membership of the online Small Scale Green Roof Construction Guide.

Original garden design for brownfield invertebrates at Hildrop

As the workshop will be held in the grounds of Hilldrop, there will be plenty of time to marvel at the ground and roof level landscapes that have been created.

John Little

John has always loved plants and what they can do for people and urban space. In 1995 John built his own green roof home. This was the catalyst for a career change and in 1998 he founded the Grass Roof Company. He has since designed and built over 100 small green roof buildings, combining living roofs with habitat walls.

He has been experimenting with different approaches to landscape design in his large garden creating a mosaic of habitats to benefit rare invertebrates.

John is passionate about the importance of linking grounds maintenance to the residents that use the space. He campaigns to lift the profile and the importance decent, imaginative maintenance plays in helping to improve life and biodiversity within social housing estates. His company has looked after Clapton Park Estate in Hackney East London for 15 years. Based on this work, he has produced a sustainable grounds maintenance contract template that puts people first.

He has also launched a range of small green roof shelters based on second-hand shipping containers and designed portable structures.

John lives in Essex with his wife and two children.

@grassroofco
www.greenroofshelters.co.uk

Dusty Gedge

Dusty Gedge – recognised leading authority on the design and implementation of green roofs, co-author of a guide to good landscape contracts guide and the Small-Scale Green Roof DIY Guide.

President of the European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations, director of the Green Infrastructure Consultancy and founder of independent advisory organisation Livingroofs.org.

@greenroofsuk

James McGill

Entomologist, currently completing PhD research examining outcomes of brownfield conservation management and habitat creation in the Thames Gateway.

Food/Access:

Vegetarian lunch and refreshments provided – (tell us on the booking form about any specific dietary or access requirements)

Bring with you:

Water bottle, sturdy shoes/boots and outdoor clothing.