Ecological Fire Break : For A Hundred Year Old Pine Plantation | Masters Design Thesis on Regenerative Landscape Design

Site Context

Swinley Forest, the site of this landscape project, exemplifies the growing vulnerability to wildfire. In 2011, it suffered a severe blaze that spread rapidly through its uniform pine canopy and parched soils. Once a marsh grassland, the area was converted into a pine plantation through intensive human intervention. Today, Swinley Forest serves both recreational and forestry purposes, yet its monocultural structure and dense, dry understorey heighten its susceptibility to wildfire—underscoring the urgent need for resilience-based landscape strategies.

A site study revealed an ecological bias in the management of native and non-native invasive species. It found that common bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), although native, is spreading aggressively and forming dense, dry undergrowth that exacerbates wildfire risk. In contrast, rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), a long-established but non-native species, is targeted for complete removal under current management practices. However, research shows that rhododendron provides valuable ecological functions: it supports pollinators, offers winter forage, stabilises soil, retains moisture, and shelters wildlife. This contrast exposes a management bias—where a native invasive species is tolerated while a non-native species with demonstrated ecological value is prioritised for eradication.

The design proposal seeks to establish an ecological firebreak that recognises the importance of species-specific strategies in creating resilient ecological hotspots under future climate conditions. Holistic management approaches that balance control with integration—rather than excluding species solely based on origin—can enhance long-term ecological resilience.

Design Process

The design process began with an interface typology study to identify the main walking route, which became the primary axis for site exploration. This analysis informed the development of a contour-based firebreak that traverses the forest, strategically fragmenting it while passing through steep slopes and priority habitats most vulnerable to wildfire.

A phenomenological map, developed through both onsite observation and desktop analysis, highlighted key spatial and ecological features — including contours, pathway types, south-facing slopes, viewpoints, rhododendron spread, and priority habitats. This mapping provided a comprehensive understanding of site-specific opportunities and constraints, forming the foundation for targeted design interventions.

To test and refine the firebreak concept, tufting and weaving exercises were employed as exploratory tools. These tactile studies reimagined the firebreak not as a line of separation but as a connective system linking diverse parts of the forest. The resulting tapestry expressed layered ecological relationships — such as moisture gradients, biodiversity, and human interactions — flowing dynamically along the contour.

By overlaying the phenomenological and conceptual maps, five key intervention zones were identified and linked to form a continuous ecological firebreak. The final design integrates fire management with ecological connectivity and visitor experience, creating a multifunctional landscape that supports biodiversity, mitigates wildfire risk, and offers a seasonally dynamic and engaging environment for exploration.

Final Outcome

The project establishes an ecological firebreak through Swinley Forest, integrating wildfire management with biodiversity enhancement. Beginning as a rhododendron garden walkway at the visitor centre, the firebreak weaves through the site, incorporating grasslands, wetlands, and meadow habitats that support diverse species while creating a seasonally dynamic and visually engaging landscape. In priority zones, such as the south-facing heathland, the firebreak transitions into non-vegetative strips featuring gravel paths and prescribed burning to control surface fires and encourage ecological regeneration.

In areas affected by continuous bracken spread, the design seeks to disrupt its dominance using site-specific, holistic strategies — including the introduction of wetlands, controlled planting of rhododendrons, and soil pH modification to encourage a broader range of plant communities. A sustainable management framework for Rhododendron ponticum is also proposed, focusing on maintenance rather than eradication.

Key strategies include selective pruning, decomposing biomass to produce biochar for soil improvement, and reintroducing fire-resistant or fire-adapted species to strengthen long-term ecological resilience.

Collectively, the design functions as a continuous ecological corridor that balances invasive species management, fuel reduction, habitat diversification, and visitor experience — preparing Swinley Forest for a changing climate and future wildfire risk.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the project reimagines wildfire resilience as an ecological and cultural opportunity, creating a continuous landscape that balances safety, biodiversity, and public experience in a changing climate.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]