Creating a biodiverse landscape at Milton Park

With species-rich meadows and mature tree-lined paths, rain gardens and wildlife corridors, Milton Park is establishing a landscape designed to enhance the biodiversity while adapting to the changing climate across its 300-acre estate.

Working with ASA Landscape Architects and landscape maintenance specialist Nurture Landscapes, the Park is combining climate-resilient planting with long-term stewardship to support biodiversity, wellbeing and sustainable growth.

Planting for the future

As climate change brings hotter, drier summers and winters of heavier rainfall, Milton Park is rethinking how its green space, which makes up over 20% of the Park, is designed and managed. Selecting suitable plants and putting in place the correct maintenance, particularly during the establishment period, has become increasingly important as weather patterns are less predictable.

Rather than relying on a limited palette of evergreen shrub planting, ASA Landscape Architects has introduced species-rich grassland, wildflower meadows and diverse planting mixes that provide seasonal interest and increased nectar to support biodiversity. Tough native species are found across the Park and include moor grass (Selsaria autumnalis) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Elsewhere, non-native species and hybrids have been selected to extend the season of nectar and colour to benefit people working on the Park and wildlife, which include varieties of rock rose (Cistus), lavender (Lavendula) and saga (Salvia species).

This approach continues through Milton Park’s ongoing planting programme. In 2025 alone, 1,400 narcissus and bluebell bulbs and 2,225 herbaceous plants and perennial grasses were planted across the estate. Also, the Park made use of 320 cubic metres of recycled green waste, helping to support its landscaping programme while making productive use of material that might otherwise go to waste.

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Landscape design at Signal Yard

Newly planted trees require watering whilst their root systems establish. At Signal Yard, the Park’s new social and retail destination, green gator-bags have been used to allow for the delivery of water directly to the roots of the newly planted trees, reducing water waste and improving successful establishment. The gator-bags can be reused on future new trees reducing waste. Once mature, correctly specified trees are drought resilient and able to provide much appreciated shade for people and wildlife.

Climate resilience was central to the design of Signal Yard. Most of the existing trees have been retained and over 40 new trees positioned to help break-up prevailing winds across the site and provide shade, making the space pleasant for its visitors. A 200 sq m planted rain garden was established in an area that had previously been lawn, with the purpose of capturing and slowing down surface water run-off. The plants in the rain garden filter pollutants and provide water to naturally irrigate the wider planting across the area. This is the third rainwater garden now at Milton Park.

Veronica Flemming, Director, ASA Landscape Architects which comprises of a team of ten and is based at the Park, said: “Before we design the planting for a site, we like to really understand what is already in place, its aspect, micro-climate and review the existing planting to see what is thriving. Critical to this is understanding what is under our feet as the growing medium for plants. Therefore, existing soil conditions are assessed before planting schemes are designed, with specialist soils introduced where needed, to support different environments. For example, at Signal Yard, lightweight soils have been used for façade planting and low-nutrient soils were brought in to best support the wildflower areas. Through this nuanced approach of different soil types and maximising the areas where biodiverse planting can occur, we now have over 45 different plant species alone in Signal Yard and in that diversity, is resilience to climate change and disease threats.”

Promoting biodiversity

The changes being made across the site are delivering benefits that further enhance the Park’s ecosystem. Hedgerows, lagoons, ditches and planted areas have been connected to form wildlife corridors, allowing species to move more freely across the Park. Rare orchids have appeared in enhanced biodiversity areas, insect activity has increased and the 34 bird boxes across the site are seeing greater use.

The landscape also plays an important role in creating a healthier working environment. Mature trees provide shade that helps cool buildings and outdoor spaces, while 12 miles of dedicated paths, seven lagoons and extensive green spaces encourage people to spend more time outside.

Long term stewardship

Once landscapes are established, Milton Park works with Nurture Landscapes to ensure planting continues to thrive through careful maintenance, monitoring and long-term management.

Stephen Packman, Environment & Innovation Manager of Nurture Landscapes, whose team of ten has been providing integrated grounds maintenance at the Park for over 20 years, said: “The long-term success of any landscape depends on how it’s cared for. Our role is to help Milton Park’s planting establish, adapt and flourish through careful maintenance, monitoring and sustainable management. Working alongside ASA Landscape Architects and the estates team, we’re ensuring the landscape continues to deliver environmental benefits while creating an exceptional setting for businesses, employees and visitors.”

Creating a biodiverse landscape that can adapt to future climate conditions is just as important as the buildings we manage and develop. Working with ASA Landscape Architects and Nurture Landscapes, Milton Park has always take a long-term approach to managing Milton Park’s green infrastructure – protecting mature trees, introducing climate-resilient planting and continually enhancing biodiversity across the Park.

Milton Park is a special place to be and green space is one of the top reasons cited by occupiers and their staff for why they love working here.”