Typical urban sites where BTCV are involved are fairly small, with
the desire being to involve the local community and other volunteers in
practical work. Labour-intensive techniques creating a mosaic of
different types are therefore appropriate. The following points should
be considered. - Study the site carefully to
find out what is there, and try in the main to work with the conditions
that you find. This is likely to be the most successful approach, as
well as using fewer resources. Any mix of 'urban flora', naturalised
plants included, is likely to be a good starting point.
- Variety
of soil conditions, substrate and slope are an advantage, and should
normally be retained or adapted to the design. Building rubble, gravel,
concrete standings and so on should be retained in situ, or re-used on
site.
- If the site is accessible to the public, or overlooked by
housing for example, there should be consultation with local people to
assess their feelings about the site, and to discuss any proposed
changes in management. The involvement of local groups, and in
particular the use of the site for play and education, is likely to be
helpful in gaining acceptance for changes.
- Some areas of mown
grass are useful for recreation, for picnicking, for young children to
play and so on. Mown grass paths through taller vegetation are inviting
to walk along, and reduce trampling of the wildflowers. Some mown grass
also gives the site a 'cared-for' appearance, and provides a foil to
the more natural vegetation.
- Be realistic with the design, and
tie it in closely with the use of the site, the amount of maintenance
required and the likelihood of vandalism.
- Small areas of
wildflower habitat will tend to shrink, as more aggressive grasses and
other plants encroach from the edge. Defend the edges by keeping a mown
grass strip, a gravel path or other border around the patch.
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