CSH ecology reports; Breeam ecology reports by Landvision UK

Landvision are advisors to Local authorities and the construction industry on CSH ecology and Breeam ecology surveys and reports. Through Code for Sustainable Homes ecology reports and Breeam reports, our recommendations can help you to obtain eco credits; points given for protecting, safeguarding or improving site ecology; as well as for optimising living space footprints and for saving energy. Organisations in the UK, USA and further afield are assessing the impact of their activities, that is, their impact on the planet.
In order to maintain healthy ecosystems, so that they can sustain life and provide raw materials, we need to understand ecosystems and how they work. Understanding ecology can help us to minimise and filter man's pollution, to recycle waste, to save precious resources such as water and energy and to safeguard the health of ecosystems, long term. Eco credits obtained through using ecology report advice by Landvision, help in maintaining healthy ecosystems for everyone, for long term healthy life on earth. To find out more ring Landvision UK on 01892 782200 & visit www.landvision.co.uk
Why do we need to do this? The natural environment in which we live is very fragile; without protection, it becomes degraded. Landscape and visual amenity is affected; where this occurs it is proven to have an effect on the health of communities. By protecting landscape ecology wherever practical, the natural environment is conserved for future generations to enjoy; the sounds and sights of wildlife, such as bird song and seasonal changes, such as autumn and spring colour enhance health and quality of life in communities. You have only to visit a woodland full of bird song to be able to witness this beneficial and calming effect at first hand.
By 2025, the use of energy by buildings will be the highest energy use; higher than any other category of "consumer." In USA in 2012; buildings represent 72% of energy use. 40% of the world's current output of raw materials goes into buildings; or 3 billion tons each year. Landvision are advisors to the construction sector, advising on how to save valuable resources by skilful design and landscape ecology techniques, such as SUDs. This will save money but also help to balance ecosystems in order to continue to sustain life on earth for the long term.
By looking at protecting site ecology and lowering our carbon footprints now, we can grasp this opportunity. If we can reduce our costs in the long term, in return for an investment now, then we can save almost 25 percent of costs by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 15 percent; (this is 100,000 tons per year.) This is worthwhile; not only will it save valuable resources for everyone, it will also save you money.
To obtain eco credits and reduce your costs, ask Landvision to do CSH ecology survey, or a Breeam ecology survey now. You will obtain valuable ecology advice, on ways of protecting and enhancing your site ecology which will save you time and money.
Visit www.landvision.co.uk to find out more; or ring 01892 782200 now to talk to our specialist team of experts.

Chelsea Show Inspiring and cultivated Plant Fest 2012.

How to cultivate Chelsea Dreams. The Chelsea Show runs for a week from May 22-26 2012. For, top, hot Chelsea garden style tips read on...For inspiring, unique, of the moment, garden design advice and landscape design and bespoke architecture design advice and help for your project to save you time and money, ring 01892 82200; or email us at; charmaine@landvision.co.uk

Gardens and landscapes are places for being distracted in, for escaping to, unwinding in, for being yourself. Relaxing, re grouping and beautiful places; somewhere where you can turn off from the demands of everyday life, socialise with family and friends.

If you are aiming to go to the Chelsea show this year- what will you be looking for? It is worth having a think about what is missing from your garden and where you want your garden to go this year... How do you want it to develop it in the ways you want so that it is truly your space to enjoy.

What do you need to find out about? There will be missing plants, perhaps a special specimen tree, exotic (or native) shrubs or especially colourful flowers. Whatever the aspects of the show gardens that appeal to you, they would enhance your enjoyment of your space- a lamp perhaps- or even garden lights, a pond, some particular types of plants- flowers for bees and butterflies...or unusual, special colours of flowers and fragrances. Take a note book and a pencil and remember to jot down any plants or aspects of design that you really like. Would you like to keep bees perhaps, make your own honey to grow your own cut flowers for your house and friends or produce your own fruit for the neighbourhood?

This is where the Chelsea show really excels- it showcases design talent and types of plant breeding (family fruit trees for small gardens for example), garden products and special plant varieties- these are the details that make the essence of the garden that is yours for keeps.

Where we are in life...is sometimes a result of the surrounding sea of life...a randomness that takes us with the flow, to where it wants - not always where we want to go...but to travel hopefully...So,...at the show, try to let yourself go with the flow for the whole day. Try to take in the colours and sounds and excitement of the garden, like its a teenage Pop Fest and you are that age again!

It will be exciting and yes, a bit exhausting too, hard on your feet and on your eyes and ears. But,  unless you thrive on the buzz of the crowd- like at pop festivals you will not truly love this experience. Let the gardens try to speak to you, try to hear what they are saying.

The message you come away with is what you will need to hang on to. Then you can try to replicate this in your own unique way in your own space; whether that is a communal garden or a private space of yours alone- a tiny balcony of pot plants and colour or a healthy, physic style herb garden, rolling acres of lawns or a cosy semi detached front and back garden. Whatever your plot, there's a unique design waiting for you.

Take a few top, hot Chelsea show style tips from Land vision designers;

Firstly, try to take a note of your favourite gardens at the show - their style and the very essence of how they make you feel- This is the style that appeals to you and therefore one that we/you might try to replicate in your own plot.

If you have only a small garden, take a look at the small plots in more detail - they will show you what can be achieved in the smallest of spaces.
A word of caution though; don't overcrowd the plot (more is generally less.) Be choosy, selective; do not gild the lily.

If you have a large garden, lucky you..It is worthwhile for you to be looking at the larger plots at the show, as well as some of the smaller ones and choosing favourite colours schemes, styles..

What elements “make” certain gardens special to you? Some may use statues, or features such as steps, an urn or a seat. 

What do you really want to do in your garden? What feeling do you need to take from your garden? To use it for? recreation- active or passive?

Is there something missing that you would really like to add? This could be privacy or it could be a theme- a Japanese garden, or it could be a rockery and alpines? A wildlife garden? The world is your oyster. 

Maybe design a Canadian garden- with lots of autumn “fall” colours and a lake. This can then be used for irrigation in dry weather- doubly useful. Try thinking sustainably.

Where you see something you really like, try to remember to make a note of it- Make a note of at least three things that you would like to do, so you do make a difference to your garden this year.

If you need help or advice, Landvision's team of experts have completed literally several hundreds of different gardens and projects, of every style imaginable. So, if you have a garden or landscape project enquiry, or you would like some advice, please ring Charmaine on 01892 782200 or email us at;

charmaine@landvision.co.uk to arrange to see our portfolio and for a bespoke garden/landscape visit; ring/email Ian or Charmaine at Landvision UK today for a little piece of Chelsea magic of your own.

Hazel Dormouse - how to plant and create habitat for Hazel Dormice

Hazel dormouse – How to protect and plant new food sources for the Hazel dormouse.

Hazel dormice are one of the most elusive of mammals. Dormice are also very sensitive to cold weather and so the recent cold winters will have probably taken their toll. Last year the very mild weather up to Xmas, followed by severe cold will have meant that any young would have perished through lack of food sources. So how can we try to plant and protect habitats belonging to hazel dormice?

Habitats favoured;

In the old days, they were most often spotted by coppice workers in hazel coppice; hence “Hazel Dormice”. Actually though, they also like not only hazel nuts, but the mast/seeds/berries of oak, holly, birch and oak/ash, hornbeam and other fruit in mixed woodlands. They even live in coniferous woods. Less intensively cut hedgerows are a major habitat, especially those with woody species and climbers such as Honeysuckle. They may inhabit hedges all year round and are a woodland edge species. They prefer woods where there is a high diversity of woodland species in trees and shrub layers and so a continuity of food sources from spring to autumn.

The most favoured spots are sunny warm shrub layer areas within a wood, clearings and glades within woods with plenty of food source plants nearby. Hazel dormice are secretive, arboreal species, so mature climbers and interlinking canopy and branches are important to provide cover and to safeguard them from predators.

What should we do encourage Hazel dormice?

The best woodlands are ancient semi natural woodland that are lightly managed, with a long coppice cycle.

Fragmentation of woodlands into lots of small woods has led to a decline in hazel Dormice populations. So, linking of all remaining green habitats is important. By linking these small woods, with hedgerows and by planting to thicken up and manage hedgerows, the hazel domouse will benefit.

Not only will you encourage Hazel Dormice to move in, but you will also increase birds and bird song, which is a great "add on" reward too.

It is still a good time to plant bare root trees and shrubs in the UK (late Nov- March.)

Here is a good mixture for hazel dormice and other small mammals;

Hazel

Hawthorn

Honeysuckle

Hornbeam

Ash.

Elder.

Wayfaring tree.

Blackthorn.

Dogwood.

Yew.

Field Maple.

Above all, by providing the widest variety of the above species you will help to ensure continuity of food sources throughout the seasons.

Plant as bare root trees, (40-60 cm high); to thicken up gaps in your hedges. If you already have wooden fences, you can cover these using a native hedgerow comprising the above species.

Bramble is an important part of the diet of Hazel dormice; so try to leave patches of bramble as part of the shrub layer in your woods. Bramble provides high grade foods, nectar, sugar-rich berries and insects; all are ideal for hazel dormice, which are specialist feeders. Pollen from Hawthorn flowers early in Spring is an important food source.

By providing habitats and managing them, we can try to safeguard the existing populations of this rare species for future generations to enjoy.

For further information on how we can help you to manage your habitats for Hazel dormice contact

Ian or Charmaine Noel on (01892 782200 or visit www.landvision.co.uk or email; charmaine@landvision.co.uk