Project: The Recycled Garden, Milton Park

ASA was appointed by the Facilities Manager at CBRE to redesign the Lagoon Area at Milton Park as part of a landscape improvement strategy. Inspired by John Little of the Grass Roof Co, ASA aimed to create The Recycled Garden using recycled construction waste to promote biodiversity and climate resilience.

The innovative landscape architecture of the project focused on replicating the biodiversity of brownfield sites, which can be as diverse as ancient woodlands. ASA’s design utilized recycled materials like demolition waste, locally sourced gabion stones, and steel mesh walkways to minimize environmental impact and maintenance needs. The garden incorporated diverse habitats, such as sand and soil piles, reclaimed wooden posts, and reused bricks, creating unique niches for wildlife.

A key aspect of the landscape architecture was the use of low-nutrient substrates to prevent fast-growing species from dominating, allowing a variety of native plants to thrive. This design supports species such as native common lizards, solitary bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Native aquatic plants were included to enhance biodiversity by interacting with the lagoon, creating a mosaic of habitats.

In addition to fostering biodiversity, the project aimed to create inviting spaces for people to connect with nature. The transformation of the neglected area into a biodiverse space has encouraged workers to enjoy nature, turning it into a popular spot for relaxation and socialization. The garden provides a serene environment where employees can take breaks, have lunch, or simply unwind, enhancing their well-being and productivity.

Early observations showed solitary bees using wooden posts and fungi establishing in drilled holes, highlighting the design’s success in fostering biodiversity. Climate resilience was integral to the landscape architecture. The free-draining substrate helped the garden withstand winter floods, and drought-tolerant species ensure continued performance.

The Recycled Garden at Milton Park demonstrates that innovative landscape architecture, using eco-friendly design and recycled materials, can create sustainable, biodiverse, and cost-effective environments while creating a beautiful setting for people to relax and enjoy nature.

ASA was appointed by the Facilities Manager at CBRE to redesign the Lagoon Area at Milton Park as part of a landscape improvement strategy. Inspired by John Little of the Grass Roof Co, ASA aimed to create a Brownfield Garden using recycled construction waste to promote biodiversity and climate resilience.

The innovative landscape architecture of the project focused on replicating the biodiversity of brownfield sites, which can be as diverse as ancient woodlands. ASA’s design utilized recycled materials like demolition waste, locally sourced gabion stones, and steel mesh walkways to minimize environmental impact and maintenance needs. The garden incorporated diverse habitats, such as sand and soil piles, reclaimed wooden posts, and reused bricks, creating unique niches for wildlife.

A key aspect of the landscape architecture was the use of low-nutrient substrates to prevent fast-growing species from dominating, allowing a variety of native plants to thrive. This design supports species such as native common lizards, solitary bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Native aquatic plants were included to enhance biodiversity by interacting with the lagoon, creating a mosaic of habitats.

In addition to fostering biodiversity, the project aimed to create inviting spaces for people to connect with nature. The transformation of the neglected area into a biodiverse space has encouraged workers to enjoy nature, turning it into a popular spot for relaxation and socialization. The garden provides a serene environment where employees can take breaks, have lunch, or simply unwind, enhancing their well-being and productivity.

Early observations showed solitary bees using wooden posts and fungi establishing in drilled holes, highlighting the design’s success in fostering biodiversity. Climate resilience was integral to the landscape architecture. The free-draining substrate helped the garden withstand winter floods, and drought-tolerant species ensure continued performance.

The Brownfield Garden at Milton Park demonstrates that innovative landscape architecture, using eco-friendly design and recycled materials, can create sustainable, biodiverse, and cost-effective environments while creating a beautiful setting for people to relax and enjoy nature.

Project Details

Client: CBRE on behalf of MEPC

Location: Milton Park

Contractors: AW Building Services & Nurture Landscapes

Size: 225m2

Build time: 1 week

Project Team

Emma Higgins
Emma Higgins

Project Gallery

What the client said

This installation is a great example of sustainable landscape design and how recycled materials can be used to integrate structure within a landscape to benefit biodiversity. Not only is this a sustainable project in its delivery and installation but also the on-going maintenance and carbon inputs are greatly reduced due to the substrates and materials used. We have already gained a positive response from occupiers of the park and given the success of the scheme we shall be looking to replicate the design principles across the Estate. 
Peter King, Associate Director – Facilities Manager – Milton Park

Let’s talk about your next project.