Millions of pounds are being invested in making the new community at Countesswells one of the most green and attractive places to live in Aberdeen.
Work is about to begin on the first phase of landscaping that will see around 600 new trees, an orchard and wildflower meadow that will differentiate Countesswells from any other new community being built in the country.
As part of Countesswells’ first phase of development, more than 4.5 hectares of new, public space and parkland is now being created, alongside the first streets, pavements and supporting utilities.
The new community at Countesswells will comprise 3,000 homes – ranging from apartments to detached homes – set around a distinctive series of public squares and parks, well connected with pathways and cycle routes that will link new schools, leisure and health facilities, as well as retail and business space.
Around a quarter of the 165-hectare Countesswells’ site will be dedicated to open space including four main parks, which enhance the existing landscape features.
The first phase of the parkland being developed includes almost 600 metres of new burn channel, utilising the existing field drain network. More than 1.7 kilometres of new paths, four new bridges over the burn, an orchard, two playparks and areas of amenity lawn are all part of the green framework for the community.
The earthworks are currently being formed for the burn channel and drainage basins and seeding and turfing have also now started..
Extensive new tree planting will begin later in the autumn as trees can only be lifted from the nursery once the leaves have dropped and they have become dormant for the winter. More than 600 trees, including Scots pine, birch, oak, lime, horse chestnut, alder, hornbeam, rowan, cherry and willow will be planted to add to the appeal of the woodland areas being created on what is currently low grade arable land with only one or two species of trees.
More than one hectare of wildflower turf and seeding will also be planted with 34 UK native wildflowers and grasses. The plants in flower will vary through the spring and summer and the types of plants that flower year to year will depend upon the temperature, moisture and available nutrients. As is the case with true wildflower meadows, no two years will be the same, giving a constantly changing landscape with high biodiversity.
Jim Fitzsimons, Countesswells project director, said “Good quality green space offers environmental, social and economic benefits to communities and these were key considerations in the design of the new development. The parkland has been carefully located to connect the community and the neighbouring Hazlehead Woods and Countesswells Woods. The open spaces at the heart of the community also provide a new waterway corridor through which the Cults Burn will flow. These core features are being created before the first homes are built to allow an early establishment of the landscape setting.”
“By starting this work now, we are ensuring that the landscape and green spaces will have taken root and be starting to flourish by the time many new residents move in. It’s already exciting to see the green spaces coming to life as it really sets the context for what Countesswells represents. It’s also a major investment in and commitment to the quality of environment we’re creating for residents and for the wider city region.”