www.PocketHabitat.co.uk
Green Roof Case Studies

Pocket Habitat

Pocket Habitat is a unique and exciting alternative to conventional green roofs. Manufactured from recycled felt material, it is a modular system specifically designed to promote biodiversity in urban areas. Now available in a range of sizes, Pocket Habitats can be used to brighten small areas on residential roofs, balconies, patios or even window ledges, in schools and public amenities, or on large-scale urban greening projects where hundreds or thousands of square metres of wildlife habitat can be created on roofs or barren ground.

Pocket Habitat's are produced from recycled polypropylene fibre material, destined for landfill, to form a sculptured, engineered planter that is designed to provide a sustainable habitat for plants and insects. The 'boat' shape gives each Pocket areas of light, shade, exposure to and shelter from the elements. By varying the type and depth of substrates, different conditions are created for a diversity of plant and invertebrate communities. When tessellated together, Pocket Habitats create a colourful mosaic pattern that adds aesthetic appeal.

Installation couldn't be easier or faster, especially when encountering sites where access is difficult and the roof is littered with plant and machinery. Pocket Habitats weigh only 20 kilos when dry and can be carried by hand – a real benefit when stairs and obstacles can't be avoided or use of a crane is not viable. They can be nestled in amongst objects and are ideal for retrofitting older roofs.

No special surface preparation is necessary, provided the roof is waterproof and is structurally sound for the loading (72 kilos per m² when wet); simply place the Pockets in position by hand, open to reveal the substrate, sow the wildflower seeds and water in. Job done!

We can supply drainage layers, substrate blends, seeds and plug plants, or you can source your own. We also offer installation services if required.

New for 2012! We have some great additions to the Pocket family;

• Pre-grown Pocket Habitats: The filled and seeded Pockets are protected and nurtured at our Nursery during the germination stage, so that they arrive on site with healthy young plants already established. Order 2-3 months in advance.
• Deeper Pocket: a larger version which can be used to grow woody plants, berry-bearing shrubs, grasses and even vegetables!
• Midi Pocket: a smaller, more compact version ideally suited for homes and gardens. It makes a great gift too!
• School Pocket: coming soon, the midi Pocket supplied with seeds and information pack for teachers and nature-loving children.

Sky Garden and Grey2Green are proud to work alongside our partners: global engineering consultancy Arup, www.Arup.com our co-designers of Pocket Habitat, and employment opportunity creators Remploy, www.remploy.co.uk, who manufacture the Pocket family of products for us. Expert advice in the initial design phase was also provided by Dusty Gedge, www.LivingRoofs.org. Please visit their websites to see more of their work.

Pocket Habitats have been designed to be moved as needs dictate and as habitat and diversity develops, so they can be used as a permanent or temporary living system and relocated more than once in their lifetime, to liven up even the drabbest corner. Where will you put yours?

For prices and information please get in touch;