New Brownfield Landscapes

Over 20% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are on land we have previously trashed. Why are these seemingly devastated places fast becoming the most precious and biodiverse parts of our landscape? We look at how we can embed the structural and substrate diversity of the open mosaic landscape into our gardens and public space. How do we add joy, design and colour to make new brownfield places for people as well as wildlife? How can we learn from these accidental biodiversity hotspots to influence all future landscapes? John enlists the help of his amazing entomologist friend James McGill and in the 4 acres of trial gardens at John’s home we explore how new landscapes can and should become our new nature reserves.

This fly-on-the-wall style recording of a workshop held on July 23rd, 2021 is highly relevant for landscape architects, and anyone concerned with the creation and management of nature-friendly planting at any scale.