Stanney Brook
A key feature of Kingsway is that it includes a 30 hectare (70 acre) parkland area which will evolve as a natural "corridor" to both enhance the existing natural habitats and create new woodlands and walkways. Across Stanney Brook Park and the Business Park as a whole it is estimated that 11,000 trees will be planted to add to what is already an attractive, undulating landscape.
At the heart of the park's diverse mix of grasslands, willow scrub and wetlands is Stanney Brook which meanders almost from one end of Kingsway to the other. It links a series of large ponds at the southern end of the park to a designated site of biological importance towards the north of the development and will provide a relaxing retreat as well as an important environmental feature to both employees and the general public.
Sections of Stanney Brook were inhabited by a rare species of water vole (Arvicola Terrestris). In order to maintain this population new habitats are being created within Stanney Brook Park to provide a secure home for the water voles as the development progresses. As these new habitats take several years to mature, Chester Zoo is providing the ideal temporary home before the voles can ultimately be re-introduced to Kingsway. Likewise a rare species of Mud Snail has been found on the site and these are being kept at Martin Mere, before being reintroduced on to Kingsway.