RESILIENCE IN THE LANDSCAPE
Resilience defines the ability to recover and return to an original state. This project creates interventions at different scales to ensure resilience; for the future of a rural community from environmental and economic change.
Cartmel, situated on the southern border of the Lake District, is a village that is historically important to Cumbria. Positioned in a broad pastoral vale at the meeting point of two streams, Cartmel has seen a steady increase in flooding due to climate change. The monoculture of sheep farming has had a detrimental effect on the landscape, removing natural hydrological processes and diminishing biodiversity. An approach of managed rewilding will work to restore natural processes in the landscape and reconnect society with the natural environment. Managed rewilding will offer economic opportunities which will build on the Cartmel's developing reputation for gastronomic tourism through wild range farming, in addition, conservation education and ecotourism.
The second element of intervention aims to enhance the existing flood plain to increase water retention through meandering streams, new wetlands and water catchment areas, enhancing its overall performance. The new wetlands will also offer a variety of different habitats from wet woodlands to deep ponds, helping to boost biodiversity. The design opens up the flood plain to the public by way of raised walkways as well as interaction points, offering educational and recreational opportunities.
New housing in this area is crucial for the growth of the community. However, it has seemed challenging with the sensitivity of this historic village, especially with the increased risk of flooding. The third intervention showcases a 17-dwelling flood-resilient housing community, working in tandem with the flood plain to alleviate the risk of flooding. Creating this sustainable development will provide a variety of benefits for Cartmel, ensuring resilience for the future.
