Ecological consultancy completes acclaimed Langley Mead and May’s Farm SANG sites and is engaged to deliver a further 15 hectares of wildlife-rich, publicly accessible green space
Reading, 8th March 2017 – EPR, a planning-focused ecological survey and design consultancy providing advice aimed at delivering higher site values and quicker consent times, has been appointed to create two further Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) at the South of M4 Strategic Development Location (SDL) near Reading. Following the completion of the successful Langley Mead and May’s Farm green spaces on behalf of the University of Reading and its development partners, including David Wilson Homes, EPR will now deliver SANGs at The Ridge and Five Acre Field.
The South of M4 SDL is already creating a model for large-scale sustainable development – an approach whereby demand for new housing can be met, whilst creating net benefits for both biodiversity and local communities. The development area and nearby sites consist of residential parcels collectively comprising just over 2,500 new homes, alongside important community infrastructure and public transport improvements. Crucially, from an ecological perspective, the consented plans also include extensive areas of green space and four SANG areas covering over 40 hectares of land.
At Langley Mead and May’s Farm, the first two of these SANG areas to be completed on behalf of the University of Reading, David Wilson Homes and the wider development team, EPR has successfully enhanced agricultural land with low ecological value to deliver an attractive and educational conservation environment for local people to visit and enjoy, as well as habitats for wild plants and animals.
Early survey results indicate that the Langley Mead site, opened in May 2015, is already attracting close to 13,000 visitors per year[1], demonstrating the appeal of the new green space to local residents. In addition, the success of habitat creation efforts has been evidenced through monitoring surveys. Grassland areas that were once agriculturally improved and species-poor have seen the return of scarce wildflower species such as Ragged Robin, Great Burnet, and Fen Bedstraw, as well as a range of other species more commonly associated with biodiverse landscapes such as Bird’s Foot Trefoil and Cuckooflower. Bird species such as Kingfishers, Buzzards, Fieldfare and Linnet have also been observed using the SANG.
The next phase of EPR’s work at the South of M4 SDL, which commences this Spring, will see the creation of a further 15 hectares of wildlife-rich, publicly accessible green space. The Ridge and Five Acre Field SANG sites will enhance regional biodiversity by incorporating new ponds, species rich hedgerows, acid grassland and wildflower rich neutral grassland, as well as new habitats for reptiles and amphibians. They will also provide valuable recreational areas for local residents, further boosting the quality and appeal of the nearby Shinfield West, Spencer’s Wood and Three Mile Cross housing developments to new buyers.
“In enabling ecology to take a central role at the South of M4 SDL, the University of Reading and the site developers have demonstrated an awareness of the ability of sustainable development practices to simultaneously deliver commercial, community and biodiversity benefits,” said Ben Kite, Managing Director, EPR.
“As we embark on the delivery of the new projects at The Ridge and Five Acre Field, it’s particularly pleasing to see these benefits being realised already at Langley Mead and May’s Farm. The success of these green spaces lies in their ability to not only offset ecological impacts, but also create a long-term net gain for biodiversity.”
Based on the success of the work achieved at the South of M4 SDL to date, stretching back beyond 2005, EPR has additionally been appointed as ecologist by the University of Reading to provide ecological advice to their other development projects in the area, such as the Thames Valley Science and Innovation Park.
“EPR has been a vital partner for some years in helping us realise our ambitions for this substantial development project,” said Colin Robbins, Director of Estates and Facilities, University of Reading. “They have helped us and our development partners to maintain a long-term focus and ensure that the project adds value for both local residents and local wildlife.”