Following the felling of the plantation coniferous woodland, this area will be replanted with native, mixed woodland with species-rich grassland.

This new biodiverse woodland provides better habitat connectivity for a range of wildlife species between the same type of woodland at the Susanna Blamire Pond and the William Paley Pond. Species rich grassland is of great ecological value, the mix contains wildflower species which will support a wide range of pollinators as well as act as a great habitat for various invertebrates, birds and mammals.

The Caldew Valley is a well used recreational route for walkers, cyclists and fishermen. Alongside its natural beauty, it is home to a diverse range of wildlife and has a fascinating history. The design of Caldew River Corridor will further enhance the sense of place and complement local landscape character.

At the southern end of the proposed path from the Caldew Crossing Bridge to the Caldew Valley footway and cycleway, a simple yet effective area of ornamental planting and three individual trees, large natural stone and smooth boulders. Further down the path, where there will be long distance views across the valley, three durable timber benches will be included.

The Caldew Crossing bridge is designed with three span design to allow the Caldew River to move naturally and freely within the floodplain, reducing impact on floodplain. This design has helped the intent of limiting the impact on original surroundings by construction, therefore limited the need for replanting in the natural surroundings.

Where the impact of construction has happened, we have translocated the soil and trees where possible. The embankments are planted with woodland trees and scrub planting. The Lonsdale Pond is planted with aquatic plants and is surrounded by species-rich grassland, making it a valuable pond for wildlife biodiversity.

Throughout the project, general design principles have been applied while proposing the landscape. Within visibility splays, the landscape design ensures that there will be no obstructions. Predominantly, in vegetated areas, an amenity grass seed mix has been specified due to its suitability for roadside verges. This mix will be tolerant of road salts and aid with the prevention of soil erosion as it establishes quickly and helps to bind soils. It will also tolerate the high frequency cutting regime that will be required within the visibility splays.

To provide sustainable management of surface water, the highway design incorporates swales, alongside the carriageway.

Where tree planting is proposed along the edge of the carriageway, this has been offset by a minimum of 5m for standard tree sizes and 7.5m for semimature tree planting.

Furthermore, mitigation to reduce the landscape impacts includes:

• approximately 16km of species rich hedgerow planting and 1km of translocated hedgerows
• native coniferous and broadleaf tree and woodland planting resulting in approximately five more trees
• grading out slopes where possible to a shallower gradient to allow them to be returned to agricultural use and integrate better into the natural landscape

Native broadleaf woodland and shrub planting with species-rich grassland is proposed in this location that will promote biodiversity.