Portishead Ashlands, Bristol
Greenfield new community sponsors protection, mitigation and compensation

Ashlands is an 182 hectare brownfield site east of the town of Portishead. It was once an ash tip for the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB). Outline planning consent was granted in 1999 for development of the site by a consortium of housebuilders. A planning requirement is the adoption and management of the adjacent 40 hectares of land fronting onto the Severn Estuary as a wildlife reserve.

The Severn estuary’s foreshore a protected habitat for migratory and wading birds. It is designated as an SSSI, EU Special Protection Area and as a ‘wetland of international importance’ under the Ramsar Convention. The foreshore ‘nature reserve’ area therefore requires specific protection. The boundary of this area has been designed with rhynes to restrict access and create buffer spaces. The need to safeguard this area is to be communicated through interpretation signage. This will be supplemented by way-marks, boardwalks and bird hides in order to create interest.

The aim of the wider reserve is two-fold: 1) to compensate for the loss of habitats as a result of development and, 2) to enhance the quality and range of habitats. The reserve will contain a series of habitats including wetlands, hay meadows and raised pastures. Native species have been selected to create new habitats, which reflect the local character. The site will also form a receptor for protected species translocated from the housing area, including great crested newts.

Sources:
1. BBC Bristol (2003) Nurturing nature around Portishead http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/green/2003/03/20/portishead_wildlife.shtml
2. Landmark Consultants (2003) Portishead Quays Wildlife Reserve - Design and Implementation