GB2577671A

GB2577671A - Outdoor feature

Info

Publication number: GB2577671A
Application number: GB1812559.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dawson Paul
Original assignee: ROLAWN Ltd
Current assignee: ROLAWN Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-01
Filing date: 2018-08-01
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-01
Also published as: GB2577671B; GB201812559D0

Abstract

A feature is disclosed for promoting biodiversity in outdoor environments. The feature comprises a framework defining a plurality of compartments each providing separate habitats suited to different species of flora, fauna and/or fungi. The compartments include at least a first internal dry compartment with an access for creatures requiring a dry habitat, and at least one separate second ventilated internal wet compartment containing a water retaining tray and an access for amphibians. The two internal compartments are surrounded at least in part by external compartments filled with a growing medium, such as soil, that serve for growing plants and that offer insulation to the internal compartments. Also disclosed is an outdoor feature having a plurality of compartments and wherein the framework has sufficient structural rigidity to be transported.

Description

OUTDOOR FEATURE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an outdoor feature for placing in a garden or on a patio both in private homes and public spaces such as golf courses, schools and hospitals.

Object of the invention The aim of the invention is to provide a feature that promotes biodiversity.

Summary of the invention

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an outdoor feature comprising a framework defining a plurality of compartments each providing separate habitats suited to different species of flora, fauna and/or fungi, the compartments including at least a first internal dry compartment with an access for creatures requiring a dry habitat, and at least one separate second ventilated internal wet compartment containing a water retaining tray and an access for amphibians, the two internal compartments being surrounded at least in part by external compartments filled with a growing medium, such as soil, that serve for growing plants and that offer insulation to the internal compartments.

The feature of the first aspect of the invention is a product which contains numerous habitats to promote flora, fauna, wildlife, biodiversity etc, wherever the product is placed. In one embodiment, the product may be in the form of a cube with sides of approximately lm. In the centre there would be internal compartments with openings to the exterior, designed to provide habitats for different species. Thus, a first compartment may comprise a water retaining tray at the bottom which retains water, covered -2 -with stones etc, creating spaces for amphibians such as newts, frogs, toads. A separate compartment is also provided for creatures such as hedgehogs, which need to be dry.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an outdoor feature comprising a framework defining a plurality of compartments that provide separate habitats suited to different species of flora and/or fauna, wherein the framework has sufficient structural rigidity to permit the feature, when fully assembled and filled, to be raised off the ground and transported to a different location while retaining its structural integrity.

In an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the framework defines two or more rigidly interconnected levels that are vertically spaced from one another and each filled with a growing medium, and the framework is selectively capable of being lifted by engagement of lifting members with both the lower level and the upper level.

In such an embodiment, the framework may include walls defining a hollow vertical column, and compartments projecting laterally from the lower end of the column and frame at least one location spaced from the lower end of the column, the lower compartments having a base resting on spaced feet to allow the fork of a forklift truck to engage beneath the base.

In some embodiments, access to the dry compartment may be 30 via a third compartment, designed to prevent predators such as dogs and badgers, from entering the dry compartment. All the internal compartment may preferably be ventilated.

The wet compartments may be contained within the centre of 35 the feature and surrounded by areas to be filled with low fertility soil containing mixes of various wildflower species, grasses and buddleia. The soil filled compartments also help to protect and insulate /moderate the temperature and noise in the central compartments.

The aim of the mixes is to promote birds, bees, bugs, caterpillars etc once the seed germinates, and to provide an attractive finish to the feature.

In one embodiment, the roots from some of the wildflowers and plants in some compartments can access the water retaining tray provided in the compartment for amphibians. This would allow wildflower species that need more moisture to be planted in certain compartments of the feature.

In some embodiments, compartments at the top of the feature 15 may be filled with soil within which more drought tolerant plants are planted.

In practice, it is expected that the feature would be purchased prefilled with stones, twigs, soil, wildflower seed etc. In such a case, the feature is likely to weigh approximately a tonne and therefore needs to be structurally sound to allow it to be lifted.

Alternatively, the framework may be supplied as a flat pack, 25 for assembly by the end user, in which case the other components, such as soil mixes, stones, timber, pipes etc could be purchased and supplied separately.

It is envisaged that the feature could be set into the ground, within a hole dug to a depth of 15cm to 30cm. Setting the feature into the ground provides additional protection and temperature moderation to the lower compartments.

In view of the likely weight of the features it is preferably designed in such a manner that it can be lifted both underneath the cube, such as by a forklift, or by means of lifting straps attached to a crane or winch. For example, the feature may be formed with recesses on either side engageable by a forklift or lifting strap to then be placed into a recess in the ground. As a further possibility, the feature may be constructed with a lifting hook.

To further encourage biodiversity, the feature may further include a birdbath.

To top up the water in the water retaining tray, a rain collecting tray may further be provided at the top of the feature and it may be connected by a pipe to the water retaining tray.

In some embodiments, a drainage pipe may be provided to prevent excess water from accumulating in the water retaining tray.

The feature may be designed to be connected to other similar features to allow larger features to be constructed in a modular fashion, with possible passages interconnecting the compartments of adjacent features.

In an embodiment of the invention, the framework of the feature is constructed from a biodegrading material, such as a soft wood. In this case, the framework of the feature could deteriorate over time, leaving a natural mound of timber, stone, soil, still providing various habitats, in a more natural way.

In an alternative embodiment, the framework may be constructed of more durable materials, in order to retain its integrity for many years.

Planners and local authorities have a responsibility to promote biodiversity and enhance wildlife and the present invention provides them with the opportunity to meet this demand in one convenient product. The types of fauna that the feature can be used to attract include toads, frogs, newts, solitary bees, birds, butterflies, moths, hedgehogs, ladybirds, woodlice, beetles, centipedes, spiders, lacewings and bugs generally.

The feature of the invention may be provided with accessories that are initially secured to the framework but 10 intended to be separated and mounted at a different location. For example, a readymade bat box or birdbox may be attached to the feature which could then be removed and installed on a tree/house adjacent to the feature.

Various modifications and additions may be made to the feature as described above. As an example, part of the framework may be formed with holes to be inhabited by bees and bugs. Parts of the exterior may be formed of natural tubing, such as bamboo canes, to provide further habitats for some of the species mentioned.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An outdoor feature comprising a framework defining a plurality of compartments each providing separate habitats suited to different species of flora, fauna and/or fungi, the compartments including at least a first internal dry compartment with an access for creatures requiring a dry habitat, and at least one separate second ventilated internal wet compartment containing a water retaining tray and an access for amphibians, the two internal compartments being surrounded at least in part by external compartments filled with a growing medium, such as soil, that serve for growing plants and that offer insulation to the internal compartments.
2. An outdoor feature comprising a framework defining a plurality of compartments that provide separate habitats suited to different species of flora and/or fauna, wherein the framework has sufficient structural rigidity to permit the feature, when fully assembled and filled, to be raised off the ground and transported to a different location while retaining its structural integrity.