Vertical Meadows
We’re championing the restoration of biodiversity in urban areas with the launch of Vertical Meadows.
The challenge
Our cities are growing, but natural habitats are shrinking. As documented in the State of Nature report, the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with nearly one in six species threatened with extinction. Insects crucial for pollination and ecosystem support are disappearing at an alarming rate, with 41% of species facing extinction. Habitat loss, exacerbated by urban development, is a major factor in this decline as 97% of wildflower meadows are gone in the UK.
As a result, Nature Recovery Networks are now being created that actively restore the natural world by providing more wildlife rich places. Through a joined-up system that supports wild plants and animals on land and at sea, it allows them to move from place to place, whilst enabling the natural world to adapt to change.
Promoting biodiversity where it's needed
The Vertical Meadow is our response to these challenges. The seed mix, developed in collaboration with The Wildlife Trust and Buglife, includes 25 types of native wildflowers and grasses, carefully selected to boost local biodiversity. This initiative aims to transform urban spaces into vibrant meadows, providing essential habitats for wildlife.
Once installed, the Vertical Meadow will flourish into a stunning display of wildflowers, creating havens for plants and flowers that attract wildlife. This project reintroduces native wildflowers to local areas, benefiting butterflies, bees, other pollinating insects, and small birds, while enhancing the beauty of the local environment.
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Affordable, scalable and eco-friendly
Plants are grown directly from the mat, rather than in a greenhouse and without the need for a mains water connection, the product is cost effective, highly scalable and revolutionary in design. The mats proliferate with minimal sunlight, mimicking natural seasonal cycles delivering a wide variety of plants, colours, and displays across the year.
Built with sustainability in mind, we use recycled and renewable materials, including low-carbon timber from the programme for the endorsement of forest certification (PEFC) sources. The system captures rainwater and recirculates it through a self-contained irrigation system, keeping the seeds moist and healthy.