Background
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) Sutton site is a vibrant and expansive facility requiring meticulous grounds maintenance to ensure a safe, aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sustainable environment. Since taking on the contract, our team has delivered a comprehensive suite of services, ensuring the site remains in pristine condition while adhering to a biodiversity plan that aligns with ecological best practices.
Scope of work
Our dedicated team attends the site weekly, undertaking the following tasks.
- Regular mowing to maintain a neat and professional appearance across the grounds.
- Adjustments to cutting schedules based on seasonal growth rates and weather conditions.
Pruning shrubs to promote healthy growth, maintain shape and prevent overgrowth into paths or structures.
- Ensuring the health and functionality of the green roofs by managing plant growth, removing invasive species, carrying out weeding and monitoring drainage systems.
- Seasonal planting to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the site, with a selection of native and pollinator-friendly species to support biodiversity.
- Regular clearance of paths to ensure safety and accessibility for all site users.
- Removal of debris, leaves and other obstructions promptly.
- Conducting detailed tree surveys to assess health and safety risks.
- Performing tree surgery and felling where necessary to maintain site safety and environmental standards.
- Providing gritting and snow clearance services to ensure safe access during adverse weather conditions.
Biodiversity plan
To support ICR’s commitment to sustainability and ecological stewardship, we follow a detailed biodiversity plan. This ensures that maintenance tasks are scheduled during appropriate ecological windows to minimise environmental disruption.
Reptiles and amphibians present on site are also carefully considered in all planning and execution of tasks.
A wild flower meadow has been created north of the site using a chalk grassland mix as part of the consented development. This meadow is being managed to promote biodiversity. Chalk grassland is a priority habitat for restoration.
Mowing and reseeding are carried out during specific periods to support pollinators and maintain meadow health.
The building includes areas of green roof planting. The majority of the green roof was created from a seed mix designed to create the London Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitat type of chalk grassland at roof level. The areas closest to the solar panels were created from a biodiverse green roof seed mix designed for use with solar panels. The wild flower mixes include larval food plants and adult nectar sources for species of butterfly, such as Chalkhill blue (Polyommatus coridon), small nlue (Cupido minimus), small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) and grizzled skipper (Pyrgus malvae), which have been recorded in the local area.
A physic garden is present and comprises a collection of medicinal plants. A number of these plants, such as lavender, are beneficial for pollinating insects.
Aquatic vegetation is managed and water quality is maintained to support local wildlife habitats.
Project gallery
Outcomes and benefits
- Improved site aesthetics: The grounds are consistently maintained to a high standard, reflecting positively on ICR’s professional image.
- Enhanced biodiversity: The integration of biodiversity-focused practices has increased the presence of pollinators and other wildlife.
- Safety and accessibility: Regular path clearing, tree surveys and winter services ensure the site remains safe and accessible year-round.
- Sustainability leadership: ICR’s alignment with ecological best practices underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Client feedback
Our efforts have been met with positive feedback from the client, who has expressed appreciation for the quality and consistency of our services. This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
Conclusion
Our partnership with ICR’s Sutton site exemplifies our ability to provide tailored grounds maintenance services while prioritising ecological sustainability. By combining routine maintenance with a robust biodiversity plan, we deliver results that meet and exceed client expectations, contributing to a safe, beautiful and environmentally conscious site.