FPCR undertook landscape, ecological and environmental impact assessment services for this major employment development at New Raynesway, Derby. The 80ha site occupies a prominent and sensitive location straddling both sides of the River Derwent and within close proximity to a series of nature reserves and wildlife sites. The proposed development included the reclamation and regeneration of a significant area of brownfield land, largely occupied by a former chemical works. Close consultation with various environmental bodies, including the Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency assisted in devising a comprehensive strategy for the conserved and proposed landscape framework and for mitigation of the surrounding sites of interest.
The majority of the landscape framework is dedicated to nature conservation objectives with large area of new wetlands, marsh and associated wet meadows. These areas include the retention of a popular riverside cycleway and footpath (including a Sustrans route) and the creation of new small scale parking facilities, additional footways, fenced and ditch boundaries and site based interpretation. The Wildlife Trust (and City Council) have taken on the management of these new ecological and landscape areas.