The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but at Cardiff Edge that’s something worth celebrating. The site recently played an important role in a major ecology project linked to the construction of the new Velindre Cancer Centre.
By providing temporary access through Cardiff Edge, Pioneer Group helped make it possible for contractors to undertake woodland management and habitat creation that would otherwise have been extremely difficult to deliver.
Background to the Project
For nearly 70 years, the Velindre Cancer Centre has provided specialist cancer treatment and support to patients across South Wales. The new centre is one of the largest construction projects in Wales in decades, and will help improve patient outcomes through advanced cancer treatment, enhanced diagnostic facilities and greater opportunities for training and research.
As part of the planning agreement for the new hospital, steps were needed to protect and support wildlife affected by the development. The hospital site included meadow habitat used by a range of species, particularly dormice, and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board appointed Sacyr to carry out habitat improvement and species mitigation work within the nearby nature reserve in partnership with the local council.
Providing Access
One of the biggest challenges facing the project was access; the area where work was needed could not easily be reached through the nature reserve using machinery. Without an alternative route, all materials, equipment and waste would have needed to be moved by hand over distances of up to 150 metres through the reserve.
Pioneer was able to help by providing temporary access through Cardiff Edge. This allowed the project team to create a work area for chipping vegetation and removing waste, along with a temporary entrance through our boundary fence directly into the reserve, ultimately making a significant difference to what could be achieved within the timeframe.
A Healthier Woodland Habitat
Cardiff Edge sits alongside a remarkable stretch of landscape that many people are unaware of. The neighbouring reserve connects to the remains of the historic Glamorganshire Canal, once one of the most important industrial waterways in Britain. During the Industrial Revolution, coal and iron from the valleys travelled along this route to Cardiff Docks, helping drive economic growth across the country.
Much of the canal has since disappeared, but some of its best-preserved sections remain close to Cardiff Edge, surrounded by woodland, wildlife and walking trails.
The project focused on coppicing, habitat management and new tree planting within the Plantation Wood area of the reserve. Dense stands of invasive cherry laurel were removed, in some places reaching more than eight metres high and completely obscuring the boundary fence. In their place, native species have been planted to create a healthier woodland habitat that will continue to develop over the coming years.
Living Boundaries for Wildlife
The work has also brought benefits along our own boundary at Cardiff Edge. Larger timber from the clearance work has been carefully stacked in front of sections of the fence to provide additional protection while the new planting becomes established. These natural barriers will gradually break down over time, creating valuable habitats for insects and amphibians, with the area already known for species such as adders and grass snakes.
One of the most impressive parts of the project is the newly laid living hedge along a section of boundary that previously had very little natural screening. Running for around 20 metres beside a public footpath, the hedge will grow into a natural buffer between the pathway and the site while providing further habitat for wildlife.
Strengthening Relationships
As well as the environmental benefits, the project has helped strengthen relationships with both Sacyr and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. With the new Velindre Cancer Centre being built close to the reserve, collaboration on projects such as this creates valuable opportunities to work together in the future.
Seeing environmental improvement, local history and partnership working come together in one project has been hugely rewarding. We are proud to have supported work that will benefit wildlife for years to come and look forward to helping future projects in the area where we can.
About Cardiff Edge
Cardiff Edge is an established science and technology campus 5 miles north of Cardiff city centre, providing over 181,000 sqft of life science and innovation space, including high-tech laboratories, clean rooms, GMP, offices, and support accommodation.
With planning approved for 55,300 sqft of CL2 labs, the site reflects South Wales’ ambition to create an exemplary life sciences ecosystem, connecting business, academia, office space, and the public sector at a single location.
