Artecology
Designing and building nature rich infrastructure with communities, not just for them.
Artecology is a not for profit organisation delivering nature inclusive design and eco engineering through hands on, democratic processes. Founded in 2013 and based in the Isle of Wight UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, our work combines ecological science, engineering, and creative practice to produce real, measurable ecological outcomes.
What we do
We design and deliver nature inclusive infrastructure that supports biodiversity and ecological function in urban, coastal, and engineered environments. Our work includes habitat creation, sustainable drainage systems, bioreceptive structures, and ecological enhancement integrated directly into the built environment.
What makes Artecology different is how this work is done.
Artecology CoCreate
Our Artecology CoCreate process brings together local communities, engineers, creative practitioners, designers, regulators, students, and decision makers in hands on workshops where ecological interventions are designed and made collaboratively. These workshops produce physical artefacts that become part of permanent, intentional habitats.
CoCreate is not consultation. It is shared authorship, skills development, and collective responsibility for the places we shape.
Why it matters
Many sustainability and nature based solutions treat ecology as an add on to development. We believe this approach limits both ecological potential and public trust.
Artecology exists to rethink how nature inclusive infrastructure is conceived, designed, and delivered, placing ecological function, long term thinking, and democratic participation at the centre of the process.
How we work
Our projects are grounded in local ecological understanding and future focused design. Our approach is grounded in real world delivery and policy relevance, with Artecology’s work referenced in the Marine Management Organisation’s Marine Plan Policy Assessment guidance.
We:
Assess existing ecological conditions and constraints
Work with communities and professionals through CoCreate workshops
Design and deliver high quality, innovative eco engineering interventions
Monitor and learn from ecological outcomes over time
This approach ensures interventions are locally relevant, technically robust, and socially meaningful.
Work with us
We collaborate with developers, engineers, environmental regulators, educators, researchers, universities, and communities to deliver nature inclusive design, biodiversity net gain, eco engineering, and nature based solutions.
Explore our projects, learn more about Artecology CoCreate, or get in touch to discuss working together.
Shaping B
etter P
laces
Is our unique project delivery service that delivers authentic Environmental Social Governance! As well as huge Natural Capital gains Shaping Better Places generates meaningful stakeholder & community engagement from project conception through to post-project services. No greenwash, no lip service!
Why Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the name we give to the community of Living Things around us.
Biodiversity is fundamental to our own survival. Places that are designed for biodiversity make better habitats for humans by enriching the way we live, work & play.
Featured Products:
Bouldnor Vertipool™
The original retro-fit artificial rock pool! It holds about 10ltrs of intertidal seawater and designed to withstand highly dynamic conditions.
Sandown Vertipool™
Holding approx 1.5ltrs of intertidal seawater, the Sandown model packs a mighty ecological punch for its diminutive size.
NatureBricks™
New to the Artecology product list and in direct response to inquiries from civil engineers working in built infrastructure riparian flood response settings, this versatile bioreceptive building brick can be used in any stone or block wall construction.
Artecology CoCreate™
A unique opportunity for organised groups to learn some of our trade secrets and manufacturing techniques. Courses involve hands-on ‘design and build’ training combined with knowledge transfer workshops.
Highlighted Case Studies:
Groundwork
North East Coast - Securing biodiversity net gain on coastal structures through ecological engineering enhancements advice and creation of intentional habitat creation through our Shaping Better Places Framework.
Bio-Graffiti
Newcastle - A living art design project delivered with local young people at a major inner city leisure complex, providing new integrated green-grey infrastructure and ecological gains in a public space.
Wild Glades
Bromley - Working with The Glades Shopping Centre, commissioned by asset owner LaSalle Investment Management, to create the world’s most wildlife-friendly shopping centre.
Blyth Vertipool Array
Blyth Pier, Northumberland - Groundwork North East and Cumbria, in collaboration with Artecology and partners, deployed a pioneering Vertipool array at Blyth Pier.
Recent News:
A list of some of our Clients and Partners: Interreg France (Channel Manche) England, Marineff, The Glades Bromley, NERC Science of the Environment, LaSalle Investment Management, Balfour Beatty, Natural Resources Wales, Ecostructure, Environment Agency, University of Portsmouth, University of Oxford, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, Aberystwyth University, Ciria, Bournemouth University, Mott Macdonald, Wightlink, HM Government of Gibraltar, Natural England, Proxima Park, Groundwork, Graham, Isle of Wight UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, MPA The Concrete Centre and Blanchard Wells.
