2024 ECOLOGY UPDATE
In the heart of Devon, the new town of Sherford stands as a beacon of sustainability, with a firm commitment to preserving and enhancing its ecological landscape. This update from its ecology team showcases the remarkable efforts to safeguard the environment.
Since its inception, Sherford's vision has centered around creating a network of open spaces that serve multiple functions, including recreation, water management, and biodiversity conservation. The landscape blueprint includes plans for a sprawling 200-hectare Community Park, boasting over 90 hectares of native broadleaved woodland, wildflower grasslands, wetlands, orchards, and extensive tree planting.
Key to these initiatives is the Landscape and Ecological Management Strategy (LEMS), meticulously crafted in collaboration with the South Hams District Council, ensuring a comprehensive approach to ecological preservation. EAD Ecology is the South West’s leading provider of ecological solutions for design, planning and management projects, and is responsible for ecology on site.
Steps already taken:
Miles upon miles of wildlife corridors have been established, weaving through the development to maintain habitat connectivity for various species, including the iconic Sherford bat bridge, a testament to innovative design meeting ecological needs.
Moreover, the ongoing establishment of Community Park habitats, featuring woodlands, grasslands, and accessible pathways, underscores Sherford's commitment to providing natural spaces for residents and wildlife alike.
Innovative measures, such as sensitive lighting design to preserve dark habitats for bats and strategically placed wildlife crossings, further demonstrate Sherford's dedication to harmonising urban development with nature.
Steps yet to take:
Looking ahead, Sherford's ecological agenda remains ambitious. Future plans include enhancing woodlands, introducing additional bat roosting sites, creating bee banks to support native pollinators, and implementing watercourse crossings to facilitate the movement of otters and other species.
As Sherford continues to evolve, its steadfast commitment to green infrastructure promises not only a thriving urban community but also a sanctuary for the diverse wildlife that calls it home. With each milestone achieved, Sherford reaffirms its role as a model for sustainable development, where human progress and ecological preservation go hand in hand.
