Ecological Advice for Nottingham Broad Marsh Green Heart Project

EMEC’s Role in Realising Nottingham’s Broad Marsh Green Heart

Project Overview

The Broad Marsh Shopping Centre, a Nottingham landmark dating back to the 13th century, became a bustling shopping hub in the 1960s, drawing visitors to Nottingham’s once-thriving retail scene. By 2022, plans were underway to transform the site, and after public consultation, residents overwhelmingly favoured a vision for a “Green Heart”—a green, open public realm as part of a larger urban regeneration effort.

This ambitious project was enabled by a £161 million Department for Transport grant, aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and connecting Nottingham and Derby. Thus, the Green Heart vision began to take shape.

The Challenge

Following the shopping centre’s demolition, a 20-acre space was available for one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in Europe. One of the city council’s primary goals was to “put the ‘marsh’ back in Broad Marsh,” creating an urban wetland that would reconnect the city to its natural environment. To make this vision a reality, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and EMEC were brought on board to consult on the project’s ecological and natural elements, helping make Nottingham’s post-COVID regeneration efforts stand out while also increasing equitable access to nature.

The Solution

EMEC’s team of ecology specialists actively contributed to planning and engagement meetings to support the Green Heart vision, offering expert guidance on protecting habitats, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring that development plans aligned with the city’s historic architectural landscape.

To build a foundation for this “nature-first” approach, EMEC conducted comprehensive site surveys. This included baseline Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, which measured habitat units across the site and highlighted opportunities for enhancing biodiversity. Bird surveys were also carried out to monitor breeding species and their habitats, while a bat survey examined the presence and patterns of local bat populations.

EMEC presented these findings and recommendations to the project’s planning team, ensuring that ecological factors would guide key development decisions. 

The Outcome

Reintroducing natural elements to the Broad Marsh area has unlocked significant biodiversity benefits. Lush, diverse habitats now offer sanctuary and sustenance to local wildlife, thanks to carefully selected plantings, including 34 mature trees, as well as a variety of underplanting’s, shrubs, and meadow wildflowers that bloom year-round to support local pollinators.

Bringing back the marsh element also delivers important environmental benefits. As weather patterns become more unpredictable, the urban wetlands will help manage stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding. Additionally, the integration of green spaces can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, offering residents a more temperate microclimate amid the city’s bustling core.

The Green Heart also provides new public areas where people can connect with nature. From tranquil spaces for relaxation to a play area for children, the site offers diverse areas for all to enjoy. Strategically located, it enhances connectivity by linking key sites like the train station, Nottingham Castle, and the Island Quarter, ultimately creating new routes and reinvigorating the city’s pathways.

With nature at its core, the Broad Marsh Green Heart is poised to become an iconic green space in Nottingham, blending ecological enrichment, public enjoyment, and urban resilience.