‘Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.’
(Frank Lloyd Wright)

Commissioned prior to any design work being undertaken these plans or reports, would arise out of a detailed analysis of the site and its immediate landscape context. They would, based on an open or more specific brief, endeavour to identify opportunities and constraints in relation to achieving the effective implementation of SuDs, achieving 10% Biodiversity Net Gain and strengthening the sites genius loci.

The  initial visit would ascertain the exact extent of a sites environmental potential and identify important features which should be retained. If deemed to be required, an ecological appraisal could be commissioned to survey existing habitats and identify any further investigations or tree survey may need to accompany any future planning application. Every area of the site would be thoroughly explored, with photographs taken and in some instances soil samples collected. Where appropriate some site history investigation is carried out to both inform future design development and reveal any potential development related risks (eg. concealed mineshafts). These reports will also look at the scope for utilising on site resources to minimise overall construction costs and review the alignment of proposals with the local planning policy framework.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA’s) are used in consideration of proposed developments and are typically commissioned by a client at the request of the local planning authority. The evidence may be presented in a stand-alone report or included in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). LVIA’s are prepared in line with the 3rd edition Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA) published by the Landscape Institute and include baseline studies, details of proposed development, description of the likely landscape and visual effects, mitigation and residual effects. We are also able to produce high quality photomontages and visualisations in order to inform and support the findings of the LVIA.

A landscape led approach at an early stage in a project allows us to explore how proposed developments can be sensitively integrated into their environment. This results in a more attractive landscape setting being created as well as in some instances resulting in lower overall construction and operating costs. Outline proposals (to  RIBA Stage 2 / Landscape Institute’s Stage C) formulated by ourselves seek to incorporate all important site features, protect identified key views, provide sufficient space for a fully integrated sustainable drainage (SUDS) scheme, maximise active travel opportunities and increase levels of ecological connectivity. In the case of some developments, where several layout options may bunders consideration, the carrying out of an LVIA or LVA will be an integral part of helping to decide which site configuration to take forward.

Our typical service runs from the production of masterplans / sketch design layouts to RIBA Stage 3 / Landscape Institute’s Stage D (often with supporting images) through to detailed design, contract drawings, schedules of works, and specifications. For larger green infrastructure type projects, masterplans would be prepared focusing on the development of a site’s intrinsic character whilst ensuring that the resulting landscape design is as multi-functional and accessible as possible. Other areas of related expertise include Building with Nature accreditation and community engagement / consultation.

We can assist with the layout / detailed design and species composition of new woodlands which could range from the corner of a field to a complex covering many hectares. Strategically placed belts or blocks of trees can help integrate a development into its setting, provide shelter from adverse weather conditions, assist in cooling buildings in summer, intercept water flows, provide corridors for wildlife and create enormously therapeutic environments for people. For existing woodlands advice can be provided in relation to sensitive incorporation of car parking / other access improvements, siting of tourist accommodation and the development of related recreational facilities. A particular specialism is looking at adapting new and existing woodlands to both climate change and the ever increasing number of tree diseases. Where appropriate, clients can be assisted with the submission of Countryside Stewardship applications.

We are able on behalf of the client able to manage to the whole process of obtaining pre-app advice and subsequently submitting a planning application, coordinating the input of all the required specialists (which can typically include Arboricultural consultants, ecologists and drainage / highway / structural engineers). This service will often include the selection and commissioning of landscape / engineering contractors to carry out the work.

Although the level of required input will vary from project to project these duties can involve the preparation of an appropriate form of contract, chairing of pre-start  / progress meetings (and associated production of minutes), monitoring of contractors programme and undertaking of visits in order to inspect the work being implemented on site to ensure that it is being carried out to the required standard (and to answer any queries / resolve any setting-out problems). In the absence of a Quantity Surveyor, instructions and variations are issued on behalf of the client in order to keep the project within the allocated budget. Prior to the holding of the Practical Completion meeting a schedule of defects is prepared and the making good of these by the main contractor is subsequently verified on behalf of the client.