Case Study Clapham Junction BID

Clapham Junction BID. St Johns Road and Lavender Hill London SW11

Completed September 2022

The Brief

To install 14 LivingPillars™ with long term planting to existing lamp posts as part of the Clapham Junction BID’s commitment to introduce greenery to streets where it was not possible to plant trees. To introduce a sense of community, attract biodiversity and increase footfall.

The Challenge

A number of the lamp posts were in deep shade. We provided 12v back-up supply to the solar charge by hardwiring a 12v transformer within the lighting column. In the event of battery charge running low due to lack of solar, the charge would be supplemented by the existing column supply.

To ensure that the stakeholders (local authority, lighting engineer, BID and structural engineers) were conversant with our proposals and we had the necessary approvals and funding.

The Approach (Design & logistics)

Once funding was in place, we carried out structural non-destructive testing (NDT) to 35 lamp posts.

All passed the test for 3.0m of planting.

14 lamp posts in strategic locations were chosen to be converted into LivingPillars™.

To suit the colour of the lamp posts, our reservoirs were colour matched to the lamp posts.

Planting was chosen to maximise biodiversity and bird and insect boxes installed.

Advanced technology was introduced to give live feedback to us on the health of the planting.

The Outcome

With 10 of the LivingPillars™ installed on St Johns Road, we have created a mini-biodiversity corridor to long term planting.

The remaining four have been positioned at a pedestrian crossing on a main arterial road.

Our technology which detects when the plants require additional watering was put to the test with temperatures hitting 35deg C in late 2022. All plants survived, have matured well and we are looking forward to carrying out a biodiversity sweep in 2023.

Fairy lights were installed over the Christmas period to bring an eye-catching festive atmosphere to the planting.

The Future Plan

To continue to monitor and learn to increase the number of plants that work best with regards to biodiversity in these key locations.

With lush foliage and cover, our goal is to attract pollinators and other invertebrates which in turn will attract birdlife.

With this innovative product we can introduce green biodiversity corridors throughout our cities to join up the green spaces.

Wayfinding and placemaking for us but also for Nature.

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