Thanks to Claire for this great news. Ed
The Abbey Mews Apple Project was chosen from 40 entries to win its category in the Big Biodiversity Challenge 2015, run by the UK construction industry body, CIRIA.
The Abbey Mews Apple Project was a collaboration between Arc Consulting, the Isle of Wight College’s Horticulture team, Island fruit tree specialists Deacons, and David Wilson Homes.
Ian Boyd from Arc said
“Local people who remembered the orchard trees that were a part of the old Dairy Crest site in Newport were committed to seeing something of that character retained as the new housing development took place. So, with the help of all the partners, cuttings were taken, grafted and grown on, tended off-site, before finally being returned to begin a new orchard.
“Some of the cloned trees have also gone to other Isle of Wight planting projects. It’s been great to see small interventions at the start of a scheme followed through to leave something for wildlife and for people, and to echo something distinctive about a place, something that was valued.”
Shortlist for Eccleston George
Island public artists Eccleston George were shortlisted in the ‘Most Innovative’ category for their ‘Artecology’ research into Marine wildlife conservation with Bournemouth University.
BIG Biodiversity Challenge
CIRIA’s BIG Biodiversity Challenge aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity in the built environment to all those who work in the construction industry – from developers to consultants and commissioners – by inviting them to build at least one biodiversity enhancement to their construction site, development or existing building.
Speaking at the event on behalf of CIRIA, Dr Phil Askew, London Legacy Development Corporation, highlighted that the BIG Biodiversity Challenge awards are a fantastic opportunity for organisations to take the initiative and deliver long term benefits for both biodiversity and the communities they are working in.
Top down approach delivers wins for biodiversity
Moving forward in 2016 Dr Askew said it was important to engage further with client organisations as a top down approach helps delivers wins for biodiversity whilst creating a legacy which is vital to the long term success of a project.
Ian Boyd also highlighted that the BIG Biodiversity Challenge shows how the Isle of Wight is home to imagination and innovation – here in making space for biodiversity enhancements in built infrastructure and development.
Image: © Nigel George
