1. Mini Forests 

Densely planted native trees and shrubs, prepared by clearing grass, laying cardboard to suppress weeds, and mulching. Saplings go in about six months later. Self-sustaining and maintenance-free after roughly three years. 

Read more about Mini Forests →

2. Fruit and Foraging Areas.

Small orchards of apple, cherry and damson, planted close together and kept pruned low so fruit stays within reach. Wild strawberry can be used as ground cover beneath. 

Read more about the Urban Orchard →

3. Wildflower and Meadow Areas 

Grass management is graded by use:

• Play/recreation areas: cut regularly, as now

• Short-flowering lawn: cut every 4–6 weeks, cuttings removed

• Summer meadow: cut once a year

• Long-term wild meadow: left to mature over several years, allowing shrubs and trees to establish naturally

• Roadside verges and sightlines at junctions are always kept short for safety.

4. Hedgerow boundary 

A mixed native hedge — hawthorn, blackthorn, elder, guelder rose, wild raspberry — planted along the road edge. Screens traffic noise, forms a wildlife corridor, and produces foraged fruit in Autumn.

Several ‘Biodiversity Areas’ connected by a twisting 6-week short-cut grass path, a perimeter hedge along the roadside, and long grass summer meadows will fill the gaps unless residents want to maintain short cut lawn play areas and a 6-week cut grass perimeter.