Copy of Talking coastal, open-mosaic, post-industrial habitats and green roofs

Introduction

Over the past few years, I have dedicated my time to capturing footage of various coastal habitats, post-industrial landscapes, and open-mosaic habitats. If you're reading this, it's clear that my passion lies in green roofs and biodiversity. These habitats and landscapes hold immense value when it comes to preserving biodiversity.

In my journey towards green roofs, I initially found inspiration in post-industrial and open-mosaic habitats. However, during the late 1990s and early 2000s, these habitats were not as appreciated as they are today. My goal, along with the London biodiversity community, was to create green roofs that could replicate and provide similar habitats at the roof level.

Initially, we focused on what we called 'brown' roofs, and I was one of the strongest advocates for this approach. However, my perspective changed after a visit to Switzerland in May 2000. It became evident that the original concept of brown roofs needed adaptation, and that's exactly what we've done. Our current emphasis is on delivering biodiverse green roofs, as outlined in the Biodiversity Net Gain metric (#BNG good extensive green roof).

During my visits to the coastal habitats of East Kent, where I spent my formative years as a teenager, I have consistently found inspiration in the striking similarities they share with exceptional green roofs. These parallels have motivated me to create a series of videos that delve into the fascinating connections between coastal habitats and the world of green roofs. Join me on this exploration as we uncover the remarkable resemblances and the potential they hold for creating thriving ecosystems.

An overview of the videos so far published.

Talking Coastal/Open-Mosaic habitats/Post-industrial landscapes and green roofs - an introduction

On Blackheath where I live in London, I kickstart the series by shedding light on an important aspect: our perception of what is natural is often influenced by cultural rather than ecological perspectives. This holds true, especially when it comes to green roofs. The conventional thinking is that a green roof should always be lushly green, prioritising aesthetics over ecology. However, the focus should be on the biodiversity and ecological benefits it provides. I also draw inspiration from Derek Gow, a former sheep farmer, who laments the obsession with ‘sheep meadow’ as natural . As I do lament an obsession with green roofs that mimic a similar cultural and aesthetic perception.

There is an sort of 'open-mosaic habitat' sort of on Blackheath - the Blackheath 'bee roads' and also the open gravel workings. In fact there is also post-industrial landscapes - Marrs Ravine. But that is a video in itself to tell that story.

Check out the video here

Let's challenge these preconceived notions and embrace a more holistic approach to green roof design, one that prioritises ecological integrity over superficial appearances. By doing so, we can create green roofs that not only enhance our surroundings but also contribute to the well-being of our planet.

Talking vegetated shingle and green roofs - Reculver Kent

As a passionate birdwatcher and naturalist, the vegetated shingle habitat stretching from Reculver to Minnis Bay in East Kent holds a special place for me. Since my boyhood days in the 1970s, I have spent countless hours walking and exploring nature. However, it's fascinating to note that this shingle bank, which appears so natural, may have actually been created after the construction of the sea wall connecting Thanet and mainland Kent, possibly in the 1950s.?

Adding to the intrigue, a remarkable open-mosaic habitat has emerged on the landward side of the sea wall. Here, plants have taken root and thrived, colonizing the cracks between the concrete tiles. Sheltered from the coastal winds, this area has become a haven for a wide array of invertebrates. In fact, I often find myself encountering more invertebrate species here than on the seaward side of the shingle bank.?

This unique ecosystem serves as a powerful reminder that nature has an incredible ability to adapt and flourish, even in environments that may have been shaped by human intervention. It is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the natural world, and how we could perhaps see a way to create landscapes for the future in our cities and towns, rather than ‘sheep meadow’.

I did discuss this with Stuart Connop so thanks for your thoughts. And I think this and the series will be of interest to Mike Webb and the work Gentian will be doing on monitoring of open-mosaic habitat.

Check out the video here.

Talking green roofs alluvial gravels brownfield street verges and railway land in Switzerland

In my ongoing exploration of green roofs, Switzerland continues to serve as a remarkable source of inspiration. During my recent visit to an event in Thun 2022, I had the opportunity to delve into this topic further. In this episode, I delve into the concept of 'brownfield' gardens, drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of John Little, whom I frequently reference in my videos. His approach has been done for years on street verges as well as inspiring my work on green roofs.?

While preparing for this episode, I discovered there is no direct parallel between the UK's open-mosaic habitat and the EU habitat classification. The nearest and I would say the same is reference as? alluvial gravel habitat. This similarity is reflected in the design and intention behind green roofs in Switzerland. These innovative structures aim to replicate the conditions found in alluvial gravel habitats, fostering biodiversity and ecological balance. Furthermore, I was impressed with how tramlines? in parts of Swiss cities follow similarly design principles, a subject that deserves its own dedicated video in the future.

Check out the video here

[ I would like to thank Erich Steiner MSc and SFG (Swiss green roof association for inviting me to speak and of course European Federation of Green Roof and Green Wall Associations (EFB)

Talking Post-industrial, open-mosaic habitat and green roofs - An old border post between HUN & SK

During a trip to Bratislava in September 2022, a passing encounter led me to an abandoned border post between Hungary and Slovakia. Unable to resist the allure of this post-industrial landscape, I made a spontaneous decision to pause and appreciate the remarkable display of wildflowers that had taken root in this unlikely setting.?

Borders, whether they are political or ecological, have always fascinated me. They serve as tangible reminders of the complexities that shape our world. In this video, I also pay tribute to the nature conservationists from both sides of the Iron Curtain who were the first to forge connections when the wall came down in 1989.

Check out the video here

[I would like to thank Branislav Siklienka for inviting me to speak in Bratislava].

Talking green roofs/sand dunes & biodiversity coastal, open-mosaic & post-industrial habitat series

In the latest instalment of the series, I delve into the world of sand dunes, specifically those? along coast at Sandwich Bay. As a young birdwatcher and naturalist, I had the privilege of spending countless hours exploring this area during my teenage years. In fact, I even served as a voluntary warden at the Kent Wildlife Trust Sandwich Bay Nature Reserve in the late 1970s and early 1980s, working diligently to protect the Little Tern colony that called the reserve home.

While sand dunes are often associated with the grasses that adorn their slopes, they are also teeming with an abundance of wildflowers. It is on the landward side of these dunes where a vibrant tapestry of botanical treasures associated with biodiverse green roofs unfolds. Echium vulgare, commonly known as Viper's bugloss, Galium verum, or Lady's Bedstraw, Trifolium arvense, also known as Hare's foot clover, and the striking Sea Holly, all thrive in this unique ecosystem. It was precisely the presence of Sea Holly that drew me to this particular location, as I had previously specified its horticultural variety for a semi-intensive green roof project in Hoxton. For those curious to learn more about this green roof endeavour check out this video - A Mexican Plateau in Hoxton.?

[I would like to thank ?Kevin Simmonds (rspb-images.com) and John Day for use of the Little Tern images in this video].

Future Episodes

Whilst writing this I have produced a further video - Talking alluvial river gravels, wildflowers & green roofs in Italy - and the Tama river Tokyo . The main focus is on in Italy, but having recently been to Japan there is a link to the potential to create similar habitat in and around Tokyo.

I would like to thank Maurizio Crasso for inviting to Friuli-Venezia-Giula where this video was made. And I would also like to thank 中村圭吾 for his interest in this subject.

There are several more episodes to edit and publish. One of which include the wonderful Templehofer Feld in Berlin. Here there is a contrasting mix of a cultural landscape of note - false oat meadow - and open-mosaic habitat that has formed where the asphalt of the airfield has broken up. I would surmise that this maybe of greater ecological value than the cultural landscape Templehofer Feld is famous for its large Skylar population. I saw as many Skylarks in the open-mosaic habitat as in the false oat meadow. I have since published a video about the Skylarks of Templehofer Feld.

And there will be others but the last one will feature a cockleshell beach in East Kent. This place truly does look like what a biodiverse green roof should look like close up. In fact, I have used images of here and of a good extensive green roof close up and ask the audience to tell me which is which. The answers are interesting.

End-piece?

In this series of videos (and others on my YouTube Channel), one central message resonates profoundly: the significance of constructing landscapes for the future instead of attempting to recreate a bygone 'Eden.' This notion holds particular relevance in the context of green roofs. While pre-packaged wildflower meadows and sedum blankets may conform to our cultural aesthetic, and how architects and landscapes specify extensive green roofs,? they may not always fulfil ecological objectives. In the introductory video, I passionately convey this perspective, advocating for a more forward-thinking approach to green roof design and implementation. Which, it is fair to say, I have been advocating for years as good friends in the industry know Mark Harris and Chris Bridgman in particular as do colleagues I have worked with for years in European Federation of Green Roof and Green Wall Associations (EFB) .

So let's embrace innovative thinking and sustainability to shape landscapes that hopefully captivate our senses but also serve as thriving ecosystems for generations to come. And also are players in helping are cities adapt and deal with both the climate crisis as well as the biodiversity crisis.