Site investigation and prioritisation for the establishment of sustainable greenspace on brownfield sites

Summary

Effective site investigation is of paramount importance for the successful cost effective establishment of sustainable greenspace. Site investigation provides information on ecological, historical, physical and chemical liabilities, opportunities and constraints.

By their nature, brownfield sites are often associated with important industrial archaeology and may also be home to important ecological species and habitats. Such inherent benefits should be preserved or enhanced.

Sites may also harbour contaminants which if left unchecked could pose a significant risk to receptors such as humans, buildings, livestock and waterbodies. Site investigation aims to cost-effectively identify such risks and opportunities.

Research objectives

Development of bioindicators of metal toxicity to vegetation
Testing in situ techniques of measuring soil metal concentrations
Site investigation procedures for greenspace establishment
Ecological Impact Assessments

Funders and partners

The main funders and partners of this research are:

ARUP
CL:AIRE
English Partnerships
Forestry Commission Reclamation of man-made sites for forestry programme
Tilfen Land

Forestry Commission policy

Use of land degraded by former industrial and urban activity makes an increasingly important contribution to the expansion of woodland. Trees planted on such sites offer immense social benefits in addition to the possibility of economic activity on formerly unproductive land. This programme supports the related objectives of the English Forestry Strategy and across Great Britain generally.

Status

This research began in 2003 and is planned to be completed in 2007.

Contact

For more information contact:

Tony Hutchings
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LH

Tel: +44(0)1420 5265270
Fax: +44(0)1420 520180
Email: tony.hutchings@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

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