Bristol Glassfields Urban Development Project
Location: Glassfields, Bristol
Product used: Native Enriched Wildflower Turf™ & Shade Tolerant Wildflower Turf™
Project Size: 1,900m²
Project Overview
In the heart of Bristol city center, sits the 3 acre Glassfields site. A major developments project featuring commercial spaces and a 197- room hotel. The Royal London Asset Management’s development sought to create a vibrant interim public space. BD Landscape Architects were commissioned to design a central park that would seamlessly connect the Temple Quarter and Old Market districts. The key objective was to establish a green and restorative environment, encouraging both office workers and visitors to relax and engage within the heart of the development. To further enhance the sites biodiversity and directly reinforce this vision, Wildflower Turf Ltd supplied 1,900m² of Native Enriched and Shade Tolerant Wildflower Turf®.
The Challenges
Glassfields, aptly names for its history as a bottle-making factory and gin distillery, underwent a remarkable transformation in 2021. BD Landscape Architects reimagined the site, crafting bespoke wayfinding and playful paths that led visitors to a central event space. Wildflower Turf Ltd were excited to contribute to this vision, supplying 1,900m² of our unique soil-less Wildflower Turf®. This included our Shade Tolerant and Native Enriched mix, comprised of fully UK native wildflower species.
The Glassfields site, with its ongoing construction, varying gradients, compacted soil, rubble, and existing underground services, presented significant challenges. We, at Wildflower Turf Ltd, recognised these significant challenges and, by providing expert advice and working closely with B|D Landscape Architects, ensured our turf would thrive with minimal intervention.
The Results
In addition to the native wildflower meadows, the space was further enhanced with ornamental plantings, tree installations, and wildlife stations, creating a diverse and thriving ecosystem within the urban landscape.
Beyond creating a low-maintenance sanctuary for wildlife in an urban area, the Glassfields wildflower meadows play a crucial role in offsetting the development’s carbon footprint and enhancing visitor well-being. The adjacent buildings now enjoy a green and aesthetic outlook and the park has effectively reconnected the industrial landscape with nature, mitigating the impacts of development.
Wildflower Turf® proved instrumental in ensuring the meadows success despite the challenging site conditions. The resulting meadow, drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly, stands as a testament to our product’s resilience.
This project’s success was further recognised when BD Landscape Architects achieved finalist status at the Landscape Institute Awards 2022 for “Excellence in Place Regeneration.”
Photo Credits: Jack Hobhouse