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| Cost Effective Landscape: Learning from Nature |
| Part 5: Manage the developing landscape |
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Tillywhally woodland Objectives changed. One and a half hectares of land was planted with trees and shrubs to provide a screen and amenity woodland alongside the M90 at Kinross. The woodland was allowed to develop naturally and unhindered for 15 years. During this time it developed into an attractive habitat for wildlife and a place for the community to enjoy the peace and pleasure the woodland had to offer. Paths seats and additional planting have now been added to the woodland in partnership with the local community and Scottish Natural Heritage. The special character of the woodland has been preserved and the peace and pleasure is now enjoyed by all who wish to go there. The development of the landscape shall be monitored and opportunities seized. Grass cutting Use natural characteristics - wise use of resources The grass verges of the M8 through Glasgow were cut on an approximately 3 week cycle during the growing season. The area of cutting extended from the edge of the road surface to the road boundary. In areas where daffodils grow the first grass cut of each season was withheld until after flowering time. This reduction in the number of grass cuts, togther with the low fertility of the soil, has resulted in a relatively diverse and attractive species rich grassland. Building upon this a plan is being prepared to allow the grass to grow to various lengths - short near the road to preserve visibility and safety, long by the boundary fence and medium in between. This presents infinite scope to create an aesthetically pleasing visual composition, variety for wildlife, flexibility, environmentally sound management and potential for cost savings. An air of urban formality and tidieness can be maintained if required. People's perception of "attractiveness" of a site depends on their understanding and where a change is proposed it may not be welcome or appreciated. Constructive dialogue between all interested groups can often help to further mutual understanding, determine local needs and give the opportunuty to discuss the economic and environmental issues. Dead wood Wise use of resources Dead wood is an important component of a woodland ecosystem and is of particular value to invertebrates, fungi and small mammals. This approach requires dead wood to be valued as a natural resource and where sensible be retained and conserved within the roadside landscape. This not only has recognised ecological benefits but has the additional potential of cost savings as disposal elsewhere is not required. Tree stumps which are removed following felling also constitute dead wood. So:
Constant thinning - Irrational management Management commitment - wise use of resources. These trees were planted so that a woodland would develop in the roadside verge with a similar character to the woodland through which the road cuts. To achieve this objective the trees should be managed as a unit not individually as in this instance. The trees are thinned regularly, promoting the growth of individual trees against their natural inclination. The thinning causes the individual trees to grow unnaturally large and become a potential hazard - the ones nearest the carriagway have had to be removed for this reason. It has also caused profuse undergrowth which for some reason is also removed regularly. This example illustrates management for management's sake and that working against nature is the antithesis of sustainability. Thinning sets in train a sequence of consequences that are unnatural and relentless, demanding of effort, resources and time. This approach would question the propriety of this management regime in relation to the design objectives and explore more sustainable alternative solutions and techniques. Alders Explore alternatives - wise use of resources A valuable characteristic of the A82 as it travels alongside Loch Lomond is the pattern of enclosure and view experienced by the road user. A balance between screen planting and allowing views of the loch was introduced at the design stage. Over the years since completion of the project this balance has been interrupted through the very successful regeneration of alder in the bright, wet conditions alongside the loch. It is now necessary to manage this growth more positively to take advantage of this opportunity. A number of options to selectively remove the alder can be explored and assessed: The young seedlings could be poisoned by the regular application of herbicide. This would introduce unnatural chemicals to a sensitive environment and the treatment would be relatively costly and never ending. Alternatively the alder could be cut on a regular basis. Again this would also be relatively expensive and waste materials may need to be removed and dealt with. A third option could be to remove the alder and encourage vigorous grass growth to prevent the alder seeds from germinating. Another option would be to remove and chip the alder and spread the chippings over the cut area as a mulch to suppress growth. This would re-use the waste alder and reduce costs. However, visual amenity may be poor in the short term and it is difficult to predict what species will colonise the mulched area in the long term. By investing time and thought at the outset and exploring different methods, wiser decisions can be made which will save money and encourage self reliance in the long term. Mature Alder, Loch Lomond. 1997 Herbicide application Objectives changed - wise use of resources. Questioning existing practices and standard approaches is a constant theme of the approach. This photograph illustrates the application of herbicide to grass under the safety fence at Killiecrankie. The unnecessary use of chemicals is contrary to promotion of sustainable development, wastes money and adds to the cumulative pollution which destroys life in our countryside. It is recognised that a clear view of the fence assists the safety inspection procedure, however there are alternatives to chemical application; 1. The grass could be cut to the edge of the barrier. 2. The grass could be allowed to grow unchecked under the barrier. 3. A zone of low fertility material could be placed under and along the line of the safety fence. 4. The extent to which the barrier should be seen should also be questioned By exploring alternatives a better approach may be discovered. A9, Killiecrankie bypass. 1997 Consider the Consequences Wise use of resources explore alternatives. This verge has been sprayed for many years with a 'total' herbicide to prevent injurious weeds developing and spreading into the agricultural land. Nature's reaction has been to gradually establish vegetation that is resistant to chemical herbicides. This recurrent application of herbicide has consequently actually promoted pernicious weed growth. An alternative approach has been adopted on the opposite verge. The grass has been cut three or four times a year which has prevented weeds becoming established and maintained an appropriate level of amenity. Environmental consequences must always be assessed when exploring alternative solutions. Sustainable development depends on ensuring that short term gain is not at the expense of long term damage. |
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