Building a biodiverse woodland walk at Shepperton Studios
22nd September 2023, Ground Control attended the official opening of the River Ash Corridor, known as Studios Walk at Shepperton Studios, on completion of the biodiversity enhancements carried out in partnership with Spelthorne Borough Council and Laing O’Rourke.
On behalf of the client Shepperton Studios, landscaping and biodiversity expert Ground Control was contracted by British construction company Laing O’Rourke to undertake landscape design and ecology enhancements along the Studios Walk that runs along the Shepperton Studios boundary.
The improvements are designed to improve amenity value for the public, whilst maximising the wildlife and biodiversity potential of the site.
Works carried out by Ground Control included:
- extending and developing pathways
- building new fencing
- adding public benches
- installing new finger posts and way markers
- designing, building, and installing information boards
- installing bird boxes, bat boxes, and otter holts
- marginal planting along the aquatic boundaries
In addition to planting new vegetation, Ground Control worked on selective site clearance of non-native invasive species and unsafe trees throughout the woodlands to ensure species-rich biodiversity can survive in the best conditions.
Studios walk is a 1.75km looped walk through a short section of the River Ash corridor. Numerous habitats can be found on-site, including nature mature woodland, grassland, wetland, and open water. These recent enhancement works are tailored to target local priority wildlife species including a range of invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and fungi. Alongside the new bird and bat boxes, wildlife refuge areas have been allocated, where access is restricted, allowing native vegetation and wildlife sensitive to disturbance to thrive.
Typical species that ramblers are encouraged to look out for include dragonflies, stag beetles, grass snakes, and native birds including woodpeckers, coots, and dunnocks.
The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, MP for Spelthorne, attended the unveiling alongside children and the Headteacher from Littleton C of E Infant School and local Councillors. Attendees took part in a guided walk of the area led by the Director of Landscape Architecture for the project, Andrew Joynt.
The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, MP for Spelthorne said,
It was a pleasure reinstating a lovely woodland walk for all to enjoy and wonderful to see the children enjoying the walk. I look forward to seeing nature taking its course in years to come, with the wildlife fully established.
Sophie Frost, Senior Operations Manager of Ground Control said
"Shepperton Studios invests £1million in Biodiversity enhancements of Studios Walk | Shepperton Studios, Spelthorne – 22 September –
Shepperton Studios today officially opened the River Ash Corridor, known as Studios Walk, on completion of the biodiversity enhancements they have carried out in partnership with Spelthorne Borough Council...."
"Shepperton Studio's £1m riverside walk unveiled in Surrey | Shepperton Studios has unveiled a £1 million walk on the River Ash in Surrey.
The one-mile (1.75km) Studios Walk, which takes a looped route along the site's boundary, includes a new bridge.
Biodiversity enhancements include new bird and bat boxes, and wildlife refuge areas, where access is restricted, the studios said..."
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