Wildlife & Traffic

A European Handbook for Identifying Conflicts and Designing Solutions

6 Integration of Infrastructure into Landscape
Original version (2003)
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6.5 Conclusions

Project teams should seek to:

  • Choose a route which:
    i) respects existing landform;
    ii) requires the fewest large earthworks;
    iii) minimises the extent of habitat loss;
    iv) avoids sites of nature conservation interest and, where possible, protects non-renewable resources (e.g. ancient woodland); and
    v) seeks to maintain connectivity through the use of structures that carry the landscape over the infrastructure or permit the landscape to flow under the infrastructure.
  • Design profiles which reflect the local topography: embankments and cuttings need to be graded out to match the surrounding slopes and used to minimise noise and visual intrusion.
  • Aim to achieve the most sustainable use of excavated material, i.e. create a balance of cut and fill material and minimise the need for off-site disposal.
  • Ensure the new landform and its soil structure permits effective planting and/or restoration to an appropriate use.
  • Planting design (pattern and species) should reflect the adjacent landscape and avoid the creation of a separate corridor of planting.
  • Restore as much as possible of the preexisting pattern of field boundaries, woodland, heathland, etc.
  • Establish a clear design objective and maintenance regime for each element of the scheme design.