In 2007 we transformed 825 square metres of our
flat roofing into the first living roof of its kind in the UK
A mixture of sedum
(small low moisture plants), wetland (a pond with water plants) and
brownfield (rubble left to self-colonise) have created a variety of
habitats, hopefully increased local biodiversity and made our building
part of Chorlton's network of green spaces, as well as insulating us in
the winter.
Watch a short video showing the roof's creation and its first few
months here
The roof is part of a Manchester-wide project, Make Room for Black Redstarts,
aiming to create ‘stepping stones’ of suitable habitat for the black redstart, a small robin-like bird which breeds only in cities and, due to loss of habitatbecause of widespread inner city regeneration, is now rarer than the Golden Eagle. The brownfield element of the roof has been designed to provide ideal habitat for the redstart, so keep your eyes open!
The project has been made possible through collaboration with a number of organisations and individuals.
Funding (£ 25,000) came from SITA Trust, which funds communities and environmental groups in carrying out a range of improvement projects.
Graham Jones of the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Project co-ordinated the project and wrote our funding bid. He managed the ecological aspect of the roof design, advising on how to create the best possible range of habitat and diversity.
Katie Lowry of BCTV managed the financial aspect of the project, and co-ordinated a huge team of wonderful volunteers who did much of the practical work on the roof.
Iain Weguelin of Outerspace Garden Design was in charge not only of designing the roof, but project-managing the work by all parties.
Dusty Gedge, one of the UK's leading green roof experts, also contributed his expertise to the design of the roof, and was involved in taking the project forward from the very beginning.
The roof was completed in September 2007, and has since been naturally
colonised by over 20 species of plants. We have regular sightings of blue
damsel flies, water boatmen in the pond, and the roof is alive with
bees.We open up the space to the public every so often, so watch the news
page for details.
Black Redstart habitat requirements -
Proximity to open water e.g. canals (or our pond!) that provides midge, gnat and other insect food.
Areas of sparse 'wasteland' vegetation and stony ground necessary for
feeding.
Vertical features that correlate to the cliff faces and open gorges of
natural habitat.
A variety of holes and ledges, preferably within structures, to build
nests.
