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

National Planning policy Framework and Planning reform needs to create opportunity for designing pleasant places to live and work in.

Planning for Living Places; Prince's Foundation ask for rethink on Planning Laws and say that The National Planning Policy Framework needs more work to address this.

We agree.

Let's make places nice to live in, say the Prince's Trust.

We couldn't agree more. So, what do people want? What is sustainability really about? What do we all need?

One answer is;

"More Parks, more and larger community spaces linked to tree lined streets. These are all part of the big picture. Let's shape places that reflect local landscape character and build places that are not only good to work in, but also to live in, for future generations to enjoy; " Charmaine Noel (Landvision white paper; Planning Places for Real People.)

Sustainability is about creating places that are pleasant to be in and to walk through and above all, to live in. These places will have more community spirit if they have mature and new trees, mature native hedges and bird song, well planted and maintained gardens full of wildlife, bees and butterflies, shops and work places intermingled. In short, if they are nice places to be in.

Landscape design can help to create relaxing places which are quieter than pre existing streets and car parks. Streets and residential areas that are planned at a human scale. More character added. People want to live in these small close knit pleasant communities. So let's go back to basics and build what people want and need.

Replacing brown field sites with skilfully designed beautiful places; careful design that takes account of people's needs.

Prince Charles set up the Prince's Trust to promote more traditional and environmentally sustainable building techniques. This includes comment on planning laws and the qualities that people look for in new homes. So, some tweeking is required then?

Yes, if the plans to transform society into a “big society” are to be given a boost. If we want more people to cycle and walk, to live their lives sustainably and locally, we need to plan and design at the human scale. So, what do we mean by at the human scale?

The old fashioned streets of villages such as the High Street Chilham in Kent are a good example of the human, small scale we need to look at emulating. Why is this a good scale to work at? Because the scale is small, the feeling is intimate and cosy and people want to live in a place like this - with well maintained gardens in front garden space - not seas of cars. In new designs, cars located elsewhere, ideally in parking areas separated by planting buffers. Places which encourage us to get out of our cars and walk again.

Character kept and added through design. Beauty breathed into design. Colour, interest and seasonal changes in plants and leaf forms visible for children to see everyday. Wildlife present in city centres as well as in the suburbs. Sustainability is building the big picture - not just building materials but planning for whole living places.

Cyclists and pedestrians put first in village centres; speed limits in villages reduced to re create sense of place and respect for people who choose to walk. Lets start again, from where we want to be and design from this starting point.

The Prince's Trust recommend “community capital”; that communities are designed for a sustainable lifestyle. If this involves reducing car parking spaces in cities where there is public transport and improving public transport- then let's do this.

If places are to be truly sustainable then history and cultural associations with place are important.They are starting points for sensitive design. Parks, community spaces, tree lined streets are all part of the big picture.

Let's strive to shape places that best reflect local landscape character and build places that are not only good to work in, but also to live in, for future generations to enjoy.

For bespoke landscape design and ecology advice for your project you can visit our website; www.landvision.co.uk or contact charmaine@landvision.co.uk for help and advice.

Attenuation of Water, ecological design and sustainable development by Landvision uk

Water is perhaps the most vital resource for man and the rest of the natural world. This philosophy is the basis of much of our design work; from landscape design for domestic housing schemes, to health and welfare facilities and residential area upgrades, parks and open space provision, interpretation centres, retail stores and many other sites. We strive to understand the character of place and have written a blog on landscape character; we express this in all our designs.

For more than 15 years, Landvision has been a leader in the ecological design movement; we have pioneered sustainable development initiatives, green technologies and monitored them to ensure constant improvement. Each design element works hard to bring multiple benefits. This ecological design innovation adds great value whilst saving our clients time and money. So, our diverse professional mix of team members can help you with your latest project.

Specialties; Landscape Ecology, landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, Planning, Ecosystem Science, Sustainable Site Design, Low Impact Development, Innovative Rain Water Harvesting & Management, Ecological Design Services, Green Roofs, Woodland management, Sustainable development.

To find out more, contact us; www.landvision.co.uk or

email; charmaine @landvision.co.uk

Wildlife law changes advice from Landvision Statutory Instrument 2010/490 - the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010 in April 2011

The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994,were replaced by Statutory Instrument 2010/490 - the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010 in April 2011...so what do we advise you about this?

The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994, replaced by Statutory Instrument 2010/490 - the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010 in April 2011, have been recently drawn up to protect our wildlife. They now add to the EU Habitats Directive in England and Wales and incorporate all the changes since the old 1994 Regulations, including;

• Major changes to European Protected Species (EPS) licences and licensing

• Many changes to marine conservation laws.

• So, seek advice from Landvision, reputable and scientifically qualified ecological consultants and do have all recommended surveys completed before you start work on site.

So, what exactly is the bill proposing?

Changes to laws on poaching and game and on deer management and shooting. Also, changes on non-native species and snaring with amendments to the law on protected species and SSSIs, (Sites of Special Scientific Interest.)” Different parties will vary on how they react to the degrees of protection for wildlife and the way these affect the countryside and the people in it.

So, will localism help?

At present, planners make informed decisions on a case by case basis; if this process is “streamlined” there is a danger that the baby will be thrown out with the proverbial bath water.

Professor Colin Reid, of the School of Law at the University of Dundee, said about the 2011 amendments ; “this is an important Bill for many people involved in land management and conservation. Proposals for a Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill include far-reaching changes for deer management and shooting, snaring, game and poaching laws, licensing for protected species and sites of special scientific interest.”

The environment, which has been a cornerstone of planning law for more than 60 years, will really only truly be able to continue to be protected if development is concentrated in brown field sites and is spread fairly so each town shares development and it is not just in a few major towns and cities. Only in this way, will large, soul less developments not be required and new development will still be contained at a human scale. So, let's bring back the heart to communities, by leaving the heart in planning and by understanding why the environment needs protection.

You can read the latest wildlife bills on line;

• In the meantime; ask for advice from a reputable and scientifically qualified ecological consultant and have all recommended surveys completed before you start work on site.

• Tel Charmaine or Ian at Landvision on (01892) 782200 or visit www.landvision.co.uk

• http://www.landvision.co.uk/ecology.html

How to look after Common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Bee orchid Ophrys apifera and Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis Pyramidalis. Here's how!

How to look after Common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii ), Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) and Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis Pyramidalis); Here's how to manage your meadow or woodlands so that orchids thrive and spread, safeguarding them for future generations to enjoy! Here's also how to create a wildflower meadow and how to create more suitable conditions for Bee orchids, Pyramidal orchids and Common spotted orchids now, creating the conditions they require..

When and where are these orchids found?

Now is a great time to view orchids like Common spotted (Dactylorhiza fuchsii ), Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) and Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis Pyramidalis) look for them in your local grasslands, woods and meadows. They all flower in June and July; so they are out at the moment in south east England. We are lucky to have numerous sites in East Sussex and Kent where orchids thrive and are protected by careful management and plans drawn up by ecology and landscape planning experts at Landvision. These three orchids require management to maintain their populations; they are splendid examples of our native wildflowers and orchids attract visitors and walkers to the county to see them growing in the wild, in woods, grasslands and meadows.

What conditions do these three orchids require?

The Common spotted orchid is an orchid of damp grassland and open woodlands. It is found on woodland edges, along the edges of woodland paths and in glades, where higher light levels and a certain amount of moisture create the conditions that it needs. It has a beautiful pale pink tall flower spike and flowers in June and July. The grassland it is located in will need management and the woodlands need specific management too, to create optimal conditions for these orchids to thrive and spread.

The Bee orchid, which resembles a bee landing on a pink flower is very striking. It can be found on calcareous soils of south facing slopes. This is an orchid of post industrial landscapes, old quarries, gravel and sand pits as well as chalk pits being amongst its favoured habitats. Bee orchids are also located on sand dunes, golf course roughs and on limestone, in old quarries and other disturbed low fertility soils. The bee orchid is associated with an open sward, with no vigorous grasses. It is an example of mimicry as it mimics an insect feeding on a flower. So, this is an orchid the flowers of which mimic its insect pollinators. British bee orchids are self-pollinated.

The Pyramidal orchid has a striking, deep purple triangular shaped spike flower; found on dry open grassland, generally on south facing sunny slopes , on calcareous soils of low fertility. The pyramidal orchid requires an open sward, closely grazed; so grazing of grasses by rabbits and other mammals help this orchid to thrive.

Light disturbance and a certain amount of light trampling is associated with many of our wild grassland orchids. Hence their location on golf roughs (light trampling) and sand dunes, where recreational activities lead to some disturbance, can be a pre requisite of these species for their dispersal and growth and establishment. Orchid seed is very light and is tiny, so the creation of bare patches of low fertility ground by trampling near the present orchids aids the establishment of new seeds. Conversely, if the turf is dominated by vigorous grasses or too long, and there is no disturbance by trampling, the orchids cannot spread their seed so easily.

Light levels and moisture levels need to be right for each species too. The orchids of open, dry, sunny slopes, such as Pyramidal orchid and Bee orchid would not be found in damp or shady woods. Conversely, Common spotted orchids favour moist grassland and could not withstand the dryness of a south facing, thin calcareous soils on rocky slopes, such as on old quarries and golf course roughs which the Bee and Pyramidal orchids require.

The main requirement for all orchid species however, is very low soil fertility. The right amount of moisture and presence of the orchid's associated fungus in organic matter in the soil is also essential. These factors, together with low fertility and fungal associations of orchid species, are all essential if you are aiming to create species diverse grassland which contains species like orchids in the long term. Help and advice are available from Charmaine and Ian at Landvision.

To determine what soil fertility you have, we will need to take a soil sample and find out what nutrient levels are present in your soil. If the soil fertility is already low, this is good news. However, we will still need to manage appropriately by removing grass cuttings to keep the soil fertility low, so that rank grasses do not smother the finer herbs and species like orchid, which require an open sward; that is, a sward that has bare patches and is not densely covered with vigorous grass and species that would out compete the orchids. If you persist and get the management right; the rewards are great.

If you need help and advice or have any queries for us, you can ring Landvision. We can help advise you now on how to create a wildflower meadow and how to create more suitable conditions for Bee orchids, Pyramidal orchids and Common spotted orchids, amongst other native wildflowers. Tel Charmaine and Ian at Landvision on; 01892 782200 or email us at; charmaine@landvision.co.uk or ian@landvision.co.uk