Jun. 23, 2025
The combination of man-made structures and materials with the natural world, not only delivers a great aesthetic, but provides the chaotic mix of structure vital for rich biodiversity. It’s the speed with which abandoned sites become so good for wildlife that really is so important. There is a post-industrial site to the east of London that has more biodiversity per m2 than any other site in the UK! That’s happened within 50 years of the site being abandoned. We can’t replicate ancient meadows or woodlands easily, but we can design new landscapes to mimic the best post-industrial sites. What an exciting prospect for our future landscapes.
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How do we package the chaotic structure of post-industrial sites in a way that looks good and appeals to the public? One way is to use gabion cages or baskets. These wire baskets, when installed, represent carefully and perfectly level ‘tidy’ materials that otherwise would be unacceptable within a new landscape. They hit all the marks for habitat creation and can be embedded in the planting design as an engineering solution, or even as stand-alone structures.
Gabion baskets are a great unit of ecology, so it is best to present you with the advantages/benefits of using them, namely:
We were asked to look at the car park attached to the new £2,000,000 visitors centre in July . Sadly, both the centre and the car park went through planning without insisting on any green infrastructure or habitat creation requirements. Bizarrely, no emphasis had been put on the wildlife potential of the development by either the architect or the Wildlife Trust until they asked us to give some thought to the possibilities within the car park. Let’s hope with the introduction of the Biodiversity Net Gain matrix (See Living Architecture Monitor – Biodiversity Issue, ) this sort of planning consent never happens again in the UK.
The main nature reserve attached to the centre was on heavy clay and although in places high in biodiversity, it offered little opportunity for Open Mosaic Habitat. Open Mosaic habitat is bare ground with, typically, very early pioneer communities, more established open grasslands, scrub and patches of other structural habitats.
It made sense to design a contrasting landscape that would drive biodiversity, rather than replicating existing habitats and simply increase their biomass.
A typical budget default for development meant we were only left with £40,000 to landscape and add habitat to the 150-space car park. Since the plans had already been passed, we were limited to a (48 inch) mm outer edge and a 900mm (36 inch) centre spine to work with. To form the main structure, we opted for Gabion baskets. These we hoped would mark out the parking bays, provide a retaining wall for the new substrates and most importantly act as a vessel to create nesting and hibernation for a wide mix of invertebrates and mammals. Mined gabion stone, often transported many miles to the site is the common default fill; but we opted for 75-150mm (3 to 6 inches) of crushed demolition waste
made from local houses, sourced from within 2 miles of the site. Alongside this backbone of gabions, it was decided to take back 8 of the 150 parking bays, far too many in our opinion, and replace them with ‘garden bays’. These would be framed to the regulation 5.5m x 2.5m (18’ x 8’) with box steel and filled with a mix of construction waste and local sand. The new bays would reinforce the need to reduce our reliance on cars and 'big up’ the potential for everyday infrastructure to become important places for wildlife. The bays were planted and seeded with native plants and to finish, a bee post was added to give space for arial nesting solitary bees. The non-native climate adapted planting was also used in the central spine and importantly was paired with good interpretation.
Behind the gabions around the perimeter, we backfilled with local sands from the A13 road widening no more than 2 miles from the site. These sands provided the ideal weed free, low fertility substrate to take the native seed mix. The sand also had the advantage of providing breeding space for many of the local bees and wasps, especially as we added the topography to ensure plenty of warm south facing slopes.
So, we had taken a sterile piece of planning permission and added open mosaic habitat using only waste materials from within 2 miles. Adding biodiversity to our everyday infrastructure in very urban places is so well suited to Open Moscaic Habitat and in turn brings all these ideas up close to people.
Most importantly, all the new habitat and planting was designed and implemented without compromising the aesthetic or function of the parking lot. Wildlife is very happy in well-designed places.
The creative use of gabion baskets in landscaping to help cost effectively management waste, while also creating low or no maintenance habitat to support biodiversity, is still very much in its infancy. There is a virtually limitless range of design possibilities to use these structures in urban and rural settings and much more that we can due to improve their biodiversity potential.
Gabions are often seen as a practical way of containing nature, from protecting from landslides to creating fencing and barriers. This traditional technology containing nature has a modern resurgence with clear environmental benefits. Gabions, cages filled with rocks, can help maintain the integrity of slopes and surfaces against natural impacts or changes in weather conditions.
This helps maintain a consistent, secure environment for both humans and wildlife. They also act as a form of natural filtration and water capture, helping to reduce runoff and improve water quality. Furthermore, they can provide habitat for wildlife such as reptiles and help maintain biodiversity. Gabions help to protect and support the environment in a variety of ways, such as:
One of the major environmental benefits of gabions is their ability to reduce CO2 emissions. Gabions are great for reducing CO2 emissions due to their ability to store carbon and absorb pollutants from the air, such as methane and carbon dioxide. This process is known as carbon sequestration, as it helps to absorb and store carbon in the atmosphere, preventing it from entering the environment directly. When rocks are placed in the gabion, they can absorb and store these gasses, reducing emissions. Furthermore, the gabion itself also absorbs some of these gasses, further contributing to the emission reduction.
Gabions also aid in water filtration and capture processes, reducing carbon emissions by capturing and recycling rainwater. This can be especially useful in preventing silting caused by built-up water. Through this process, the gabions can filter and capture pollutants, preventing them from entering the environment and aiding in reducing the number of pollutants and, consequently, CO2 emissions.
If vegetation is allowed to grow within a gabion wall, it can further contribute to the carbon removal of the solution. Plant life in a gabion wall will actively take in CO2 during photosynthesis. This forms an incredibly beneficial cycle as the plants take in CO2, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the oxygen released can help clean the air and encourage plant growth, further absorbing CO2.
In addition, gabions can also reduce CO2 emissions by reducing fossil fuel consumption. Gabions are made of sustainable and durable materials, such as stone, which is abundant and can last for many years. As a result, they require less energy to manufacture and distribute, resulting in a reduced carbon and energy footprint for any given application. Therefore, using gabions not only helps to reduce emissions but also helps to create a more efficient system for reducing energy use and waste.
Gabions are made of natural resources, which helps to make them an eco-friendly choice for many applications. Gabions are made of rocks, which are plentiful and renewable; there is no need for costly construction materials, as rocks can be taken from areas nearby. As such, gabions are more cost-effective when compared to alternative methods of construction and more sustainable than timber or cement construction.
The abundance of gabion materials can help reduce energy consumption. Tractors and excavators require energy and fuel to operate, and the transportation of materials is also a heavy polluter. By doing all of these tasks with natural resources, less energy is needed to complete them, which helps reduce emissions and energy costs associated with manufacturing and transport.
Moreover, gabions use the natural environment to their advantage by relying on nature’s filtration process. The rocks within the cages act as a natural filter system, helping to capture pollutants, chemical contaminants, and debris. This helps keep nature clean, improving the wildlife habitat of the surrounding area and protecting water sources.
The cage is also made of natural resources, such as steel mesh, which is durable and long-lasting. This helps increase the system’s sustainability while protecting against the elements. In addition, steel is recyclable and can be reused, helping to minimize waste usage and any potential environmental damage.
Gabions can reduce erosion, helping protect the land from nature's forces. This benefits many applications, such as working roads, homes, parks, valuable land, and coastal areas. Gabions act as a form of armor against rapid disintegration, helping to prevent soil loss and protecting any settlements that may be nearby. If loose soil, rocks or other materials are placed within the gabion, this can help hold it in place and reduce the chance of it sliding away or becoming entirely washed away.
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Additionally, gabions protect against landslides and floods, which can cause considerable damage and disruption to communities. Providing a secure barrier, typically much stronger than other alternatives such as timber or metal fences, significantly reduces the risk of events like these. Furthermore, they can be placed along coastlines, reefs, and other vulnerable habitats, helping to protect these areas from damaging weather and wave conditions.
Erosion control is important for development projects. Gabions can provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for controlling disintegration around infrastructure, providing long-term protection against the elements. Gabions are also becoming popular for protecting slopes due to their strength and sturdiness. By providing a stable, secure environment, developers can safely begin their projects while helping to prevent any negative environmental impacts.
Gabions do not require a concrete foundation, often needed for other protection methods. This is because they are filled with rocks, which are heavy enough to provide the required stability and tension when in place. This eliminates the need to prepare a concrete foundation, which often disrupts terrain and uses large amounts of energy in its preparation. There is also less risk of contaminating nearby areas with concrete when using gabions.
Furthermore, gabions can be disassembled and reused easily, unlike a concrete foundation that needs demolishing. This makes gabions a great alternative for temporary prevention methods. Gabions are often the best choice for mitigating a natural disaster or a temporary fix as they require less energy and resources. Reusing and moving them to another location is often much easier than preparing a concrete foundation or breaking it down, and is highly beneficial to the environment.
Gabions provide an aesthetically pleasing and natural look, often used in parks and open recreational spaces. In this regard, gabions add to the beauty of nature and can help bring out the hidden potential of certain areas. This is beneficial for humans and animals, as it can provide much-needed recreational spaces and habitats.
Gabions are also an effective tool for noise reduction. They are composed of densely packed stone and mesh, which helps to dissipate sound, creating a natural protective shield. Therefore, they are often used as noise barriers in urban areas and gardens to reduce noise from busy roads or nearby houses.
The mass and density of gabions can absorb sound waves, cutting down the sonic footprint of an area. This helps preserve any given space's peace and quiet, making them ideal for outdoor recreational areas, schools, gardens, and other places where noise levels can impact the quality of life or productivity.
Gabions can also help reduce wall vibration and associated noise in buildings like railways and motorways. They are designed to absorb vibrations, creating a more peaceful environment and reducing noise pollution effectively. Moreover, with their naturally aesthetically pleasing design, gabions are a great addition to any garden; they help block out unwanted sounds and create a soothing ambiance.
The mesh also helps to filter wind, helping to buffer wind pressure and create a protective environment. This can be especially useful when dealing with coastal areas, where storms can cause considerable damage. Gabions are often used in such areas, where their mass and protective qualities help prevent the serious risks of coastal weather.
Gabions are also a cost-effective and sustainable way to create retaining walls, helping support the earth embankments and preventing soil movement and potential structural failures. Gabions can help to hold the earth in place, reducing landslides and soil movement, which can have devastating effects in vulnerable areas.
When filled with soil, they act like a living retaining wall, providing a growing environment for plant life and nutritious ground to help species thrive. This is an incredible environmental benefit, as it can help boost biodiversity and preserve wildlife habitats. Furthermore, their hygroscopic properties can help with soil moisture balance, ensuring a healthy and consistent environment for any species.
When reinforced, gabion walls can also make excellent retention for any structure, providing protection and increased stability. They are often used in retaining sites, where they help to protect buildings from potential erosive strategies, such as waves and soil disintegration.
One of the most rewarding benefits of using gabion walls is their cost-effectiveness. Gabions are made with natural resources, such as stone, and can be easily sourced in various ways, reducing the cost of acquiring them. Additionally, gabions are reusable and can be easily moved from site to site as needed, reducing the cost of making changes.
They are easier to install and quicker to construct than most other building sites, reducing the effort and resources needed. Furthermore, they are incredibly durable and will last many years without maintenance. This helps to reduce long-term costs and increases savings for any given application.
Gabions are also easy to maintain, helping to reduce both the monetary and environmental costs of upkeep. Their steel mesh cladding helps to protect against the elements and maintain the structure for years without needing to be replaced. Furthermore, they can be quickly dismantled and moved elsewhere, making them an incredibly cost-effective solution for most applications.
Gabions also add a natural and aesthetic beauty to any setting. This is an incredible benefit in many applications, as it helps to boost the outdoor environment and create a more enjoyable ambiance. Gabions can often be found in city parks or gardens, where they help to separate a grassy or wooded area from cluttered, busy streets.
The aesthetic element gabions bring to a space is very important for promoting environmental stewardship, as it helps to inspire people to appreciate and care for nature. Furthermore, they can be designed to fit any aesthetic and theme desired, such as a classical French style or a rustic countryside look.
Gabions look great around bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers, where they help to reduce wave disturbance and maintain the natural, serene atmosphere. This is an incredibly beneficial benefit for any recreational area, as their natural beauty attracts more visitors.
Gabions can also make wonderful additions to homes, gardens, and commercial centers. Whether for a front yard, backyard, or garden, gabions help create a natural, open space that helps illustrate nature's beauty. This can benefit the local environment as people learn to appreciate the nature around them, helping to promote environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
Overall, gabions are a centuries-old technology experiencing a modern resurgence due to its ample environmental benefits. They are made of natural resources, ingeniously designed to reduce lingering environmental impacts and provide a strong, resilient structure for many applications. Gabions bring many environmental benefits, from reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption to providing cost effective solutions and aiding in destruction control.
Moreover, they help to add a touch of natural beauty to any space, helping to promote environmental stewardship and raise awareness of the importance of preserving nature. Gabions are a great way to bring an eco-friendly solution to any application, helping to protect the environment and maintain a sustainable, healthy environment for all.
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