School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesARC Linkage Project

The Woody Meadow Project A novel approach to creating resilient and adaptable urban landscapes inspired by Australian shrublands

This collaborative research project aims to improve the appearance and function of urban landscapes by using Australian shrubland ecosystems as templates for ‘Woody Meadow’ plantings. The Australian Research Council (ARC) linkage project brings together researchers from The University of Melbourne (UoM), The University of Sheffield (UoS), UK, and local and state government agencies to investigate novel, low-cost public landscapes that are beautiful, resilient and low maintenance. Woody Meadows are naturalistic plantings of a diverse range of shrubs and small trees which are managed by coppicing (hard-pruning 10-20 cm above the soil surface) to create dense flowering plants to exclude weeds and maximise their aesthetic appeal. Woody Meadows offer significant benefits for urban communities through the creation of resilient green infrastructure for more liveable and biodiverse cities.

Working with partner organisations, our research team is establishing a network of Woody Meadow plantings to determine the best practice for

establishment and maintenance in a range of site conditions and urban contexts. This information, combined with research at the University’s Burnley campus, will be used to develop a framework and guidelines for establishing Woody Meadows.

BackgroundUrban greening has wide-ranging benefits for human health and well-being, biodiversity, pollution mitigation and local urban microclimate. However, maintaining vegetation in urban environments is expensive, often resulting in overly simple plantings (Figure 1). Such plantings offer few benefits, with limited visual appeal and resilience to the often-challenging conditions in urban environments. Melbourne University researchers have developed a new approach to urban greening using Australian shrublands as a template. These Woody Meadows have high aesthetic appeal (e.g. year-round visual interest through flowering and foliage display) and ecological and physiological characteristics that enable them to be adapted to many site conditions.

The Woody Meadow design is a diverse planting that replicates the structure of shrub-based natural ecosystems and provides visual interest. Species are selected based on their capacity to regenerate after fire or other disturbances. Woody Meadows are maintained by coppicing of all plants every 1-3 years to promote continuous and varied flowering display and achieve rapid canopy closure to exclude weeds. They are designed to have minimal or no irrigation and low maintenance inputs.

Building on earlier pilot studies, this ARC linkage research project will contribute to the long-term success of Woody Meadows through appropriate matching of species to site conditions. A key knowledge gap investigated in this project is whether these woody meadows will succeed across a range of site conditions, climates and urban contexts for widespread adoption of Woody Meadows in cities nationally and internationally.

The four-year project commenced in 2021.

For more information, visit https://woodymeadow.unimelb.edu.au/

For more information, visit https://woodymeadow.unimelb.edu.au/

Copyright© Copyright University of Melbourne May 2021. Copyright in this publication is owned by the University and no part of it may be reproduced without the permission of the University. CRICOS PROVIDER CODE: 00116K

Authorised by: R BathgatePublished by: Woody Meadow Research ProjectPhotography: C. Farrell & J. Rayner

DisclaimerThe University has used its best endeavours to ensure that material contained in this publication was correct at the time of printing. The University gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information and the University reserves the right to make changes without notice at any time in its absolute discretion. The University reserves the right to make changes to the programs advertised as appropriate.

Intellectual propertyFor further information refer to:www.unimelb.edu.au/governance/statutes

ResearchOur research goal is focused on understanding the ecology and physiology of Australian shrub species to create resilient, management-friendly Woody Meadows to enhance and expand urban green spaces in Australia and internationally. Our partner organisations bring practical experience and expertise that will be key to successful Woody Meadows and their uptake.

Our research aims to:

1. Determine how different species respond to coppicing (hard-pruning above ground plant material).2. Understand how coppicing and drought interact to affect the longevity and resilience of Woody Meadow species.3. Determine how site conditions and urban context influence survival, growth and maintenance inputs of Woody Meadows.

Our ApproachWe have established a consortium of partner organisations committed to urban greening. Together we are installing a network of Woody Meadows across a range of Victorian sites and contexts to expand our knowledge and experience in designing and growing Woody Meadows.

Project PartnersCity of BoroondaraCity of Greater DandenongCity of WhittleseaDepartment of Transport (Vic Roads) Greater Western WaterGreening the PipelineHume City CouncilMoreland City CouncilUniversity of Melbourne (School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences) and University of Sheffield, England.The research team is lead by Dr Claire Farrell (UoM), with A/Prof John Raynor, Prof. Stefan Arndt and Prof. James Hitchmough (UoS).

JoinFind or Register a Woody Meadow at https://woodymeadow.unimelb.edu.au/woody-meadows/

Plant your own Woody MeadowUse our factsheet and guidelines from partner organisations to develop your own Woody Meadow – find them here https://woodymeadow.unimelb.edu.au/fact-sheets/

ContactDr Claire Farrell c.farrell@unimelb.edu.auSchool of Ecosystem & Forest SciencesUniversity of Melbourne

Figure 1. Typical low maintenance urban plantings of single shrub species or strappy leaf monocots (left) and a Woody Meadow pilot planting (right) planted in the City of Melbourne (2016). This pilot woody meadow of 21 species thrived over three years with manual coppicing and low maintenance, flowered continuously and achieved canopy closure within a year of initial coppicing.