Landscaping

Improving the landscape

New landscaping at the gyratory will also aim to improve the local environment. Pedestrian and cycle routes will be enhanced via the establishment of green links around the gyratory, including through planting of new shrubs and perennial meadow along the route.

We have created a landscape design that increases opportunities for biodiversity, establishes green pedestrian and cyclist links and makes use of trees and shrubs that are tolerant to and trap air pollution. The proposed design also includes landscaped perennial meadows, which are adaptable to road environments such as the gyratory and will provide additional biodiversity.

An example of perennial meadows on other road schemes. Source: Pictorial Meadows

As far as possible, we will make use of materials that are sustainable, durable and easy to maintain.

Trees

Although our updated design retains more trees than previous versions, some trees will unfortunately still need to be removed. We will strive to minimise this and will relocate trees rather than remove them as far as is feasible. 

Where a tree has to be removed we will replace every one removed tree with three new trees that will be planted either at the gyratory or in the surrounding local community, dependent on the space available and the most suitable location.

• Approx. 220 trees are being removed to ensure the scheme can be delivered.
• Six trees have been identified as being transplanted (re-planted)
• 50 new trees are being planted on site
• 600+ new trees are being planted off site in local communities.

How you can get involved in these tree planting plans?

We are engaging with community groups and local councillors to develop designs for offsite planting. The aim is to plant and transplant trees in areas where they can have a lasting impact and we are open to all suggestions. Areas already identified in New Wortley, Beeston, Holbeck, and Hunslet and Riverside. If you would like to suggest areas that would benefit from this tree planting, please get in contact with us at connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk.

The impact on local habitats, biodiversity and wildlife

Various measures have been put in place to ensure that the scheme’s impact on wildlife and biodiversity is minimal. During the works all tree felling will happen outside of nesting season (breeding bird season) to protect breeding birds. The additional tree planting will also contribute to developing new habitats in areas approved by local communities.

The new landscaping proposals will additionally see a mix of planting, including perennial wildflower meadow and shrubs. These will be tolerant to air pollution and provide additional biodiversity. The scheme will seek the use of wildflowers over normal grass, as they require less maintenance throughout the year. As a result, landscaped wildflowers will reduce the amount of energy used for mowing each year and preserve biodiversity. 

An ecological appraisal and various habitat assessments have identified the ecological constraints of the wider scheme. And site walkover surveys and desk based ecological studies are used to identify protected or notable species, working with environmental legislation and planning policy.

Working towards the council’s plans to tackle the climate emergency

The Armley Gyratory scheme aligns with our plan to tackle the climate emergency. In particular, the scheme will develop the city’s travel links and tackle congestion, helping address noise and pollution issues. By planting new trees at a three to one ratio to those removed and using sensitive landscaping, the scheme will also help support the development of new and improved green spaces in the local area.