PROVIDING All Aspects of the Landscape Design Process
I offer all stages of the landscape design process, from development of the brief and site surveys, through to contract administration
Historic landscape restoration
When done well, the creation of new landscapes appropriate for today’s needs, respect and conserve their historical context and enhance their heritage value. The successful integration of new with old requires a thorough understanding and appreciation of the cultural significance, and historic fabric of the specific landscape. I have long had a keen interest in this aspect of landscape design.
Urban environmental improvements
Increasingly, everyone is encouraged to have a say in their local environmental change and regeneration. My role is to provide practical environmental design expertise, combined with insight and imagination to achieve lasting benefits for the well-being of individuals, communities and reinforcing the sense of place.
Countryside recreation
These projects aim to increase enjoyment and appreciation of the landscape, whilst conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Design solutions tend to be subtle, using natural materials, locally distinctive detailing, and native planting. The less conspicuously “improved” the landscape appears, the better the enhancements are.
Development
Working with multidisciplinary design teams, I endeavour to ensure that new developments are pleasing to the eye and complementary to their surroundings. Thereby making the best use of the site for people and the environment, whilst fulfilling planning requirements.
Examples of My Landscape Design Work
Rhossili Car Park, Gower
Client: The National Trust
At the far end of the Gower Peninsula, are Worm's Head and Rhossili Bay. A few years ago, the National Trust acquired the popular, but inadequate car park and arrival point for these iconic landscapes.
I led a multidisciplinary team designing and implementing major improvements to the car park. These took into account the important medieval open field system that survives there, restored stone field boundaries, made the most of the wonderful views, and provided a well laid out, comfortable parking and arrival area for the increased flow of visitors.
I developed the masterplan plans, prepared the LVIA, heritage impact assessment, design, and access statement, and the analysis of surface materials and construction details. I was also the contract administrator.
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Llampha Storage Lagoon, Vale of Glamorgan
Client: Private landowner
A storage lagoon covered with a black LDPE sheet, for agricultural fertiliser produced locally from food waste was to be sited in the corner of an arable field in the rolling countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan. The landowner was keen to ensure that the lagoon fitted into this landscape. I was brought in by the developer Agrivert to consider adjustments to the shape, location, cut and fill, and planting to mitigate the visual impact of the lagoon. Several layouts and cut and fill sections with visual assessments were produced and refined to come up with the best solution.
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Restoration of the Dell, Plas Newydd, Llangollen
Client: Cadwyn Clywd
The grounds of Plas Newydd were developed in a picturesque style, on a small scale between the 1780s and 1820s. The Dell, was an integral and contrasting part of these grounds, becoming one of the must-see places to visit for tourists of the time. Since then various features have been lost or changed and its picturesque character diluted.
I prepared designs for the restoration of the Dell project as part of the 'Our Picturesque Landscape' Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership Bid. This consisted of an appraisal plan, concepts plan, a series of project descriptions, giving historic references, appraisal and proposals, outline costs, and an accompanying report providing additional information.
The heritage significance and the current significance and condition were assessed, and the three overarching themes for restoration identified as:
- Enhancement of the Picturesque Character
- Improvements to Access
- Community Engagement
Outline proposals were drawn up for four key area improvement projects, three new or re-created feature projects for site-wide enhancements, and one for tree/vegetation management and planting.
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Hensol Castle and Parkland, Vale of Glamorgann
Client: Leekes Ltd
Hensol Castle is a Grade I-listed, 18th-century castle that was latterly a psychiatric hospital, sitting in registered grade II parkland with a series of lakes.
The plan was to convert the castle into a luxury hotel, with other buildings converted for residential use. I was brought in to ensure that the restoration and conservation of the historic landscape met planning requirements, and to prepare designs for the integration of the new development.
Over the years I have carried out a variety of work relating to the on-going developments, these include:
- Landscape Masterplan for the Historic Parkland, Woodlands, and Garden
- Layout for Parking, Access, and Associated Planting for the Castle and Residential Apartments
- Walled Garden Restoration Plan Based on Archival Research and Site Survey
- Heritage Impact Assessment for Enabling Development
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