Over the last 12 months HARROWDEN has been working with Stanwick Lakes and the Rockingham Forest Trust to recreate an Iron Age roundhouse complete with sedum roof.
Close to the site of the Iron Age settlement uncovered in the 1980s, the plan is to transform this area into a typical prehistoric farm settlement forming the focal point for “Living History” experiences. The project focuses on the settlement area and the visitor experience – through educational school visits or recreational visits with family and friends.
The project develops the “Iron Age story” of Stanwick Lakes and will build greater understanding of ancient settlers, how they lived and the materials they used.
Harrowden has helped to build a second, larger, roundhouse. This has been designed with a ditch, bund, hurdle fencing and a small garden. The aim is to provide a glimpse into the past of Stanwick Lakes and to create a focus for community heritage activities. The new roundhouse has a sedum roof constructed from Harrowden’s sedum mats, which use 17 sedum species grown and nurtured in Harrowden’s nursery for up to twelve months. Each plant species is chosen for its disease resistance, drought tolerance, and long flowering period.
Rich in pollen and nectar, they are a great food source for bees, butterflies, moths and hover flies. They can be a low maintenance alternative to a traditional lawn, they are drought-tolerant and they are happy on the ground or on green roofs. They are tolerant of most conditions aside from being wet all the time.
