May 2023

The new Hilltop Research Hub at RHS Wisley, which allows members of the public to view the science being carried out, has been selected of one of the winning projects in the RIBA Southeast awards 2023. The judges particularly praised the project for its innovative design and integration of both existing and new facilities.

Aspect Ecology has worked on the project since 2017, assisting with successfully bringing the project through planning and post planning matters, and most recently completing a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment to inform the RIBA awards. The scheme delivers an impressive 25% gain in biodiversity, in large part due to the new wildlife garden designed by RHS Chelsea Gold medal winner Ann-Maire Powell. The wildlife garden is the first garden at RHS Wisley designed specifically for wildlife, and includes a diverse number of habitats ranging from large ponds, wildflower grasslands and swathes of pollinator-friendly planting, to structural log piles and bee hotels. It has been exciting to see the planting mature over the last few years, and no doubt will offer inspiration to many generations to come as to how we can all enhance biodiversity.

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