Client: Groundwork North East and Cumbria

Timeframe: February 2022 – Ongoing

Services: Ecological Engineering Design, Research and Development, Intentional Habitat Products, CoCreate Training

Location: UK, North east coast

Summary: Securing biodiversity net gain on coastal structures through ecological engineering enhancements advice and creation of intentional habitat creation through our Shaping Better Places Framework.

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Introduction:

Groundwork North East, in collaboration with Artecology, embarked on an ambitious initiative to revitalise estuary locations in the North East of England. The partnership aimed to identify opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain and Ecological Enhancements through intentional habitat creation. This case study explores the projects undertaken, the unique research and development (R&D) nature of the endeavours, and their impact on the region's estuaries.

Recording the environment and spaces in Whitby Harbour

Surveying the ecology of Sunderland Harbour

Project Background:

In February 2022, Groundwork commissioned Artecology, to conduct a comprehensive Ecological Engineering Design Scheme Report for handful of estuary sites, including Whitby Harbour and Sunderland Harbour. The goal was to assess the potential for enhancing biodiversity and ecological value in these areas through innovative habitat creation and to identify opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain.

Front cover of the Sunderland Harbour report

A visual representation of possible habitat creation at Sunderland Harbour

Project Scope and Findings:

Artecology undertook a detailed site scoping exercise, examining the estuaries' ecological characteristics and identifying areas where intentional habitat creation could be implemented. The scoping report provided valuable insights into the potential for ecological enhancements and set the foundation for subsequent project development.

Collaborative Implementation:

Building upon the scoping report, Artecology continued to collaborate with Groundwork to implement the proposed habitat enhancements. The project focused on developing and installing unique objects designed specifically for the estuaries, including Domed Refugia, Magnetic MicroPools, Flatbottom Rockpools, and PodPools. These R&D objects were crafted to provide new habitats for various species, and their installation marked the first-ever test of their effectiveness.

Domed Refugia by Artecology and Clam Shells by Biomatrix Water ready for installation

Matt Machouki from Groundwork North East and Cumbria with a Domed Refugia unit

Innovation and Research:

The Revitalising our Estuaries Scheme, funded by the Green Recovery Challenge Fund, placed significant emphasis on the R&D aspect of the projects. Artecology's expertise in merging art, design, and ecology allowed for the creation of innovative habitat objects that had never been made or tested before. This approach not only promoted biodiversity but also pushed the boundaries of ecological engineering.

Micropool being tested on the Artecology fridge door

CoCreate Session and Capacity Building:

Recognising the value of Artecology's techniques and expertise, Groundwork North East invited them to conduct a CoCreate session. During this session, Artecology shared their craft and hand making techniques, empowering Groundwork staff to produce additional PodPools. This capacity-building initiative enabled Groundwork to contribute actively to the ecological enhancements and fostered knowledge transfer between the two organisations.

The Groundwork team testing some of their newly learned hand making texture and shape skills on tiles

Waiting for the concrete to cure to reveal their creations

Young people at Groundwork creating their own PodPools during a CoCreate session

Impact and Future Prospects:

The collaborative efforts between Groundwork North East and Artecology have yielded significant benefits for the estuary locations in the North East of England. The intentional habitat objects, including Domed Refugia, Magnetic MicroPools, Flatbottom Rockpools, and PodPools, have provided new homes for wildlife, enhanced biodiversity, and contributed to the overall ecological resilience of the estuaries.

The R&D nature of these projects has not only fostered innovation but also established a foundation for future ecological engineering endeavors. Groundwork North East and Artecology's successful partnership serves as a model for organisations seeking to integrate art, science, and conservation to drive positive environmental change.

An example of some of the hand made texturing and designing that can be learned in a CoCreate session

Conclusion:

The collaboration between Groundwork North East and Artecology has exemplified the power of ecological engineering and intentional habitat creation in revitalising estuaries. By combining expertise in environmental conservation, innovative design, and research-driven approaches, these projects have demonstrated the potential for enhancing biodiversity, promoting ecological resilience, and inspiring sustainable development practices in the North East of England. Through their groundbreaking efforts, Groundwork and Artecology have set a precedent for future endeavours that prioritise the harmonious coexistence of nature and built environments.