Investing in green space

17 March, 2011

WRAP workshop on deriving competitive advantage from implementing sustainable landscapes

WRAP Cymru (Waste & Resources Action Programme in Wales) is to host a free workshop, in association with the Landscape Institute Wales, to demonstrate the benefits and competitive advantages that can be derived from specifying quality compost to create sustainable landscapes.

Aimed at members of the architectural, contracting, civil engineering, quarrying, planning, landscaping and regeneration sectors in Wales, the workshop, ‘Investing in green space; deriving competitive advantage from designing and implementing sustainable landscapes’, will take place on Wednesday 23 March at The Works, Ebbw Vale, in Blaenau Gwent.

Lance Jones from WRAP Cymru said: ‘This is an opportunity for individuals from various sectors in Wales to come together to explore the benefits of implementing sustainable landscapes and to discuss the particular challenges they face. It will also be an opportunity for guests to participate in round-table discussions, facilitated by those experienced in the use of quality compost in on-site soil manufacture and land regeneration.’

When the steelworks at Ebbw Vale was demolished in 2004, leaving behind a derelict 80ha brownfield site, redevelopment had to ensure both sustainable integration into the surrounding landscape and compliance with UK and EU initiatives for the protection of topsoil.

Following advice and support from WRAP Cymru, nearly 100,000 tonnes of topsoil were manufactured using BSI PAS 100 locally-sourced compost to create 10ha of urban green space, including significant areas of woodland.

Councillor Des Hillman, leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said: ‘Using this method, an excellent quality topsoil was created to landscape The Central Valley Wetland Park, providing an economic and sustainable alternative to importing, and we are keen to share our experience with others.’

Delegates attending the workshop, which will take place from 9.30am to 3.00pm, will also be taken on a tour of The Works:Ebbw Vale project, as part of the day’s programme. Anyone interested in attending the event should contact: [email protected]