How to select inspiring Specimen trees for maximum autumn colour and winter interest aswell as wildlife and amenity value, especially for urban areas.

How to select exciting trees for great interest in urban settings; want to know which are the best Specimen trees for all year round colour? Here's how.

Firstly, look at the site. Is it sunny? Is it sheltered? If it is in a wind corridor, a street where the wind blows through, in winter this will be very cold and exposed. Conversely, a sunny sheltered courtyard may allow you to plant a more tender tree, such as an Olive tree or Magnolia grandiflora.

What are the site restrictions and what characteristics do you want from the tree?

Trees with interesting bark can contribute so much in winter. For instance, Betula utilis jacquemontii, with its snowy white bark. Prunus serrula- with its shiny mahogany bark- these two trees are exceptional in urban parks.

Good autumn colour is important for a street tree. What better than the leaves of clear, bright yellow falling from an Acer campestre for children to scrunch through in autumn? If there is room for the tree's roots and for its crown, this is a lovely tree and superb for wildlife too. If space is more limited, try fastgiate (upright) hornbeam, its leaves turn a yellow/brown in autumn, or fastigiate beech, for cheerful bright orange autumn leaves.

If you prefer red autumn colour, choose trees with bright scarlet leaves; these are numerous and the scope is wide, if space allows. Choose from Quercus rubra if there is plenty of room or even a Liquidambar styraciflua. If space is restricted there are some pyramidal forms of Liquidambar. Both these specimen trees have fabulous autumn colour- scarlet leaves and stunning interest from October onwards. They make superb urban trees and can transform an urban street in autumn. It is best if there are soft landscaped beds for the trees' roots to develop.

Above all, try not to restrict yourself to planting tiny trees with small crowns (such as Malus or Sorbus) unless space is really tight. These trees are more suited to a small garden and generally have a more limited impact on street amenity than larger trees.

Do not plant trees closer than 3 metres from your house and always bear in mind services runs, so that tree roots do not restrict affect services.

On sites where there is a medium amount of space, you can think about using more native trees to attract wildlife, Prunus avium (Wild gean) makes a lovely large tree, with clouds of snowy, white blossom and fabulous red and orange autumn leaves. The white beam, is a smaller tree but just as attractive to wildlife and produces silvery leaves and in winter bright red berries for birds and wildlife. Plant Sorbus aria or use another native, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) where space allows width to attract the birds and provide food for them in winter.

For urban gardens, Prunus or ornamental cherry, have white and pink blossom, in single and double flowered forms, from weeping to fastigiate. If space allows you can choose a round crown for maximum shade and interest. Useful trees are Prunus Ama-no-gawa (a very narrow,fastigiate cherry tree) for very limited space in even the smallest garden.

Finally, look at using the maximum size and best shape of of tree for each site, as this will contribute the most to your neighborhood. In maturity these trees will provide more foliage, blossom and increased wildlife interest if they are native, supporting birds and mammals all year round. If you are generous about tree size and spread, the ultimate rewards will be to your whole community; the street's “end users”, not only you but the inhabitants of the urban space around each tree, the visitors who will enjoy the spectacle of a Specimen tree bringing lots of autumn colour and winter interest, all year round.

This is the right time of year to obtain and plant bare root trees; from Nov- March. See our other tree blog for how to plant your new tree and all the details.

For more ideas, see our portfolio of trees and designs at www.landvision.co.uk. You can ring us to arrange a visit to our landscapes or email;charmaine@landvision.co.uk Happy tree planting in the New Year!

Photo The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org

What is Green Infrastructure? (GI) How GI understanding can help you and your local community to combat climate change.

What exactly is Green Infrastructure (GI)? How will it help climate change and biodiversity protection? Can the idea of the Big Society take this forward?

Green infrastructure (GI) works at all spatial scales from micro to macro. Big Society ideas and the idea of local community involvement in GI means that new GI can be planned, delivered and managed at the local level.
Despite the change of government, the increasing awareness and understanding of GI has not been lost. Defra’s “An invitation to shape the nature of England”, highlights importance of GI and need for planning and delivery of GI.
GI and allied political changes identified by The Landscape Institute include;
“The revocation of Regional Spatial Strategies
The establishment of Local Enterprise Partnerships
The creation of new designations to protect green areas of particular importance to local communities
The Big Society and local agendas.
The reduction of the budget deficit”
(Based on The Landscape Institute's latest article on GI.)
For general inquiries on Green Infrastructure and how Landvision can help you and your community email;charmaine@landvision.co.uk

Landvision and The Landscape Institute both fully recognise many far reaching benefits of Green Infrastructure.
These include GI as a way of tackling;
Climate change adaptation and mitigation
Water management improvements and flood alleviation schemes.
Biodiversity enhancement and BAPs(Biodiversity Action Plans)
Crime, safety and antisocial behaviour reduction.
Employment and training opportunities.
Well being and general health
Economic investment in local communities.
Beauty/pride of and increased sense of place in local areas.
Good design, robust, fit for purpose landscape design.

A leaflet will be published in January 2011 by the Landscape Institute urging local communities to become involved.

Green Infrastructure queries; to find out how Landvision can help you & your local community with Green Infrastructure; visit; wwww.landvision.co.uk or email, charmaine@landvision.co.uk

-- Press Releases November 2010 - UNEP launches Young Environmental Journalist Award for Africa - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) --

-- Press Releases November 2010 - UNEP launches Young Environmental Journalist Award for Africa - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) --

What do you understand by Landscape Character Assessment? How can you help to safeguard Landscape Character? Why Landscape Character is important.

What do you understand by Landscape Character Assessment? How can you help to safeguard Landscape Character? Why Landscape Character is important.Landscape character is defined as the natural and historical characteristics of a landscape, that give it a sense of place and distinctive locality. For instance, the South Downs have a rolling topography. Sheep graze and bleat in fields, scattered trees, sloe thickets and hawthorn hedges rustle in the wind; its a very distinctive landscape character. The National Parks Authority thought so too; recently the South Downs have been granted National Park status.

Another different landscape character area? The Ashdown Forest; open, bracken strewn, heather lowland heathland, nonetheless windswept and wild looking with a certain distinctive “look” within the High Weald landscape character area. One more?
The Norfolk Broads are wetlands, a very different landscape character type to the Downs, but just as important in terms of landscape character, just as distinctive...

So, what elements make these very different,landscape character types distinctive?
When someone mentions the South Downs to me, conjured up in my mind is an image of its intrinsic landscape character. South Downs equals = sheep grazing the slopes of the Downs on a sunny day with blue skies stretching away.
Norfolk Broads? = man rowing a boat, bulrushes, wetland birds settling on dark blue water.. sunsets...

You get the picture.

Why not do a few of these yourself?

You will probably come up with your "favourite" landscapes and its what makes them distinctive that gives them...yes, you've guessed it... their “landscape character”!

So, why should we preserve and protect these landscape character areas? How can you make a start?

Look at the area in which you live. If you are lucky enough to live in an SLA (Special Landscape Area) or an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) then there will be plenty of natural landscape features such as woods, hedges and farmland, old listed buildings.

What makes your area distinctive? What are the historic settlement patterns? There may be listed buildings, old barns, oast houses even, surrounded by fields with empty hop poles..(very distinctive.)

Are there any natural features that derive from the soils and the topography?
What are these? Are you sure? What about escarpments and scarp slopes, dip slopes, valleys and ponds. (Yes, I knew your O level geography would come in useful.)What about the landscape, is it managed? Are there animals or is it largely urban? Are there any areas which could be improved?
How could we do this? Can you think of things that you could do to help?

You may ask why anyone would want to start doing these things, why start asking these questions?
Its quite simple. When your local authority asks for feedback on its local plan, you will be able to put forward your ideas! Equally, you could start a new group to safeguard features that you like. Or join a society to find out more about your local landscape, its history, how it evolved, the communities it has served.

Landscape character assessment is a very useful tool in planning too. It helps planners to earmark areas for protection and this means that any new developments must be carefully located so as to preserve and enhance the landscape for future generations to enjoy. In many cases the long term protection of our landscape requires active improvements to a particular locality. Not just a preservation of a place in moth balls. It requires active involvement.

If you have questions about how to improve your local landscape please email;charmaine@landvision.co.uk
if you have a landscape design inquiry or question on landscape character assessment, call Landvision 01892 782200 or visit; www.landvision.co.uk and take a look at our website today.

Fruit tree planting tips - how to plan, select and plant fruit trees for all the family to enjoy.

Fruit tree planting tips, how to plant fruit trees for a fresh supply of fruit every year for all the family. So, how exactly to start planting fruit trees for your own supply of organic, delicious fruit? Landvision regularly advise clients on planning and planting of fruit trees and orchards; what could be healthier, more money saving or more timely than your favourite fruit, your favourite plums and cherries for instance, already on your garden/doorstep?

The beauty of growing your own fruit is that you can choose what to plant and which of your favourite fruit you would really like to eat. Even in the smallest plot, there are dwarf varieties of trees which are readily available. There are also a wide variety of apples and pears, plums and cherries. Think about taste, growth habit of the trees and appearance. If you have more space, then what about planting some of the more unusual fruit trees mulberries, elderberries, quinces, medlars, nuts, filberts, walnuts, sweet chestnuts amongst your apple, pear, plum and cherry trees?

If you are unsure where to start and have a general fruit tree planting query or if you would like to have specialist, professional fruit tree planting advice with horticulturist advice on specific varieties of fruit trees, please ring Landvision; our help and advice will save you time and money ring Landvision 01892 782200; charmaine@landvision.co.uk.

The Chinese proverb asks,”when is the best time to plant a tree?..20 years ago.”
Don't delay! Starting sooner is wise as fruit trees will take several years to establish and then to produce fruit.

Here are some fruit tree planting tips.

The planting season of bare root tree stock runs from late November to early March- so this is the best time to select and plant bare root fruit trees for your home/school/ community orchard.
So, where to start planting?
Planting location is vital. Your local growing conditions are important – in England, we are situated in the cool temperate region where fruit can be damaged by late frosts. So, you need to make sure that you choose a sunny, sheltered spot where the trees will thrive and where blossom and fruit will be protected from cold winds. Avoid planting in a frost pocket. This is because all fruit is sensitive to frost. If you do have to plant in one, plant larger trees at the bottom of the slope and smaller trees at the top.

Planting preparation is very important.
Prepare the soil well, dig in well-rotted compost to provide organic matter and make sure that this is well mixed into the excavated soil and the back fill. Make sure that it is well drained (as standing water will kill off fruit tree roots.) Equally do not pave around fruit tree roots. Make sure that there is adequate space for the mature tree to grow, a full system of roots and tree canopy without competition from weeds will ensure maximum oxygen and food for the roots and thence higher fruit production.

Keep the tree roots covered until the last moment, to avoid drying out. Plant the tree at the same height as it was grown in the nursery. This is vital. (If you plant too deep, tree trunks will rot, too high and the roots will be exposed and will cause the tree to die.)
Ask us if you need help and advice, ring Landvision 01892 782200 or email us at charmaine@landvision.co.uk

The age of the plants you use.
This is important, as many fruit trees are not available in large sizes, with mostly 3 year old trees available in specialist tree nurseries. The older trees are useful as there will be a shorter time to wait before they bear fruit for you. Be patient though, trees like apple and pear take a few years to grow and bear fruit (5-6 years.) If you look after them they will bear more fruit, so undertake regular maintenance and pruning. If you don't know how, ask ian@landvision.co.uk or call Landvision 01892 782200 for help and advice; to save you time and money.

What if your trees produce a surplus? Why not make your own jam, pickles, chutneys, fruit flans, cakes and pies, for use through the whole year until the next harvest? Or you can swop with neighbours and donate surplus fruit to your local friends and family and the wider community. You can set up a Transition group and local food producers' directory.
Finally, don't forget your fruit tree maintenance.
Maintenance. This needs to be regularly undertaken to ensure good establishment of the trees and to ensure a good supply of fruit, correct pruning needs to be undertaken. Weeding also needs to be carried out and mulches used.


Finally for South east England...Brogdale Horticultural Trust in Faversham, Kent have an apple festival weekend this weekend 23rd- 24th October 2010 - why not visit? They are open all year round and have lots of fruit trees on display.

For more professional fruit tree planting tips and advice on all aspects including varieties, ring Landvision; our help will save you time and money on 01892 782200; email; charmaine@landvision.co.uk

What do Planners need? - BREEAM Land Use & Ecology Assessments and Code for Sustainable Homes Ecology reports

What are the first 12 most important things for Planners to bear in mind when reading BREEAM Land Use and Ecology Assessments and Code for Sustainable Homes Ecology reports from planning applicants?

1)Firstly, what is the landscape ecology of the site setting, that is, the surrounding area; what is the landscape character? Has the BREEAM ecology report addressed this?
2)Has the BREEAM taken all the characteristics, including geology, soils, hydrology, aspect and past management, plus the impact of the development proposals into account when recommending enhancement measures?
3)Hedges and structural habitats; don't forget these. They are not included in BREEAM and are vital for ecology. Habitat structure is very important.
4)Are there any protected species on site? Are there any protected habitats, such as SSSI's?
5)Is the site in a protected landscape, such as a Conservation Area or an AONB? If so, what implications does this have for the recommended habitat planting?
6)Protection of habitats and species; what protection measures are required and have these been proposed? Will these be practical and will they do what they are supposed to do?
7)Are the enhancement measures creative and imaginative and not just satisfactory or simply ticking boxes?
8)Has the BREEAM assessment taken into account long term habitat development and the linking of green habitats up to and beyond the site?
9)Is the long term management of habitats practical and sufficient for the scale of the development proposed?
10)Has a biodiversity action plan been drawn up when this is required?
11)Will the environment around the new development be improved as a result of the BREEAM or Code for Sustainable Homes Land Use & Ecology recommendations being carried out?
12)What are the long term biodiversity aims for the site and are these compatible with the proposed site use and needs of the end users of the site?
For more information on BREEAM Land Use & Ecology and The Code for Sustainable Homes Ecology reports; contact us on 01892 782200;
or email;
ian@landvision.co.uk or
charmaine@landvision.co.uk
See some past testimonials on our landscape, planning and ecology work.
on our web site; www.landvision.co.uk

What are the shared characteristics of wildlife friendly plants? Planting schemes for wildlife.

First of all, what do we mean by wildlife friendly plants and planting schemes for wildlife? What characteristics do these plants share? How do they look, what are their growth habits?

By “Wildlife Friendly planting” we really mean;
Food and cover producing plants.Through using these plants we can increase biodiversity and build stability of ecosystems. So, plants for birds and wildlife, with shelter providing plants for birds and wildlife...Plus plants for food for bees and invertebrates plus food for butterflies and invertebrates all help to attract wildlife.

Fab Food! - but what does that mean for a bird?
Berries and fruit, very attractive to birds and a favourite food.
Native species shrub and tree are of course suited to local soil conditions; this means that they will grow fruit best, so do choose native plants when possible.

Topical tip!...Have a look at landvision's previous Landvision blog on planting for butterflies and moths..:)

So, what are (some of) the best berry-bearing trees?

Shrubs that offer food include;
Pyracantha in variety- this has masses of white flowers in May- June then, masses of lovely bright orange, red or yellow berries in the winter.
Ribes odoratum- Buffalo currant- forms thickets of upright stems which birds love for cover, masses of bright yellow spicily fragrant flowers and black currants for birds. Fab autumn colour!
Sambucus nigra – Elderberry- has flowers, fruit and provide cover for birds, dense branches.
Viburnum lantana – Wayfaring tree- flowers, berries and cover for wildlife.
Viburnum opulus- Guelder rose- flowers, berries and cover for birds.

So, all these plants share a common feature; densely branched growth, with ample opportunity for birds to take shelter/ perch as well as to feed. Their berries are borne in masses, often highly coloured; thus being also attractive in planting schemes and by attracting wildlife they are arguably bringing another much more important dimension into your garden and properties. One of tranquility? Bird song is a way of introducing peace and character into space; it can even, in Spring, drown out some of the sounds of traffic in highly populated and densely developed areas!

Another great species?

Crataegus species- Hawthorn. These flower and bear berries after 5 years. If allowed to set berries they will attract a wide variety of birds and wildlife including song birds such as Thrushes.
Hedges which contain hawthorn, if left to flower and bear berries every 2- 3 years will help the hedges to increase in wildlife value and attract more and more wildlife! So, don't be too tidy and don't cut back hedges until late January every year; if you can just leave them a little longer they should bear berries for birds and much more valuable habitat for wildlife as a result.

What about food for bees?

Flowers which attract bees are borne on;
Field Maple (Acer campestre)
Birch (Betula in variety)
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Crab Apple and wild apple (Malus in variety)
Pear (Pyrus communis in variety)
White beam (Sorbus aria and forms)
Mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia and forms)
Many of these trees bear fruit as well as distinctive flowers which are attractive to bees as well as being visually pleasing to us humans.

So why are these plants so attractive to bees?
Flowers of birch give pollen only, and this is very important to bees as it occurs early in the year. Other species are visited by bees for both pollen and nectar. Bees work single rather than double flowers, so bear this in mind.
If in doubt, visit our website and log in to send us an email question.
charmaine@landvision.co.uk

The main thing to remember is that, although surplus honey will not be produced unless a large area is planted with nectar bearing plants, even a few plants will help to attract bees. These bees will pollinate and thus help to increase yields of fruit and vegetables in gardens. So these plants are vital to food producers and us consumers as well as to other wildlife.

What about adding some plants for butterflies as well as for bees?
Some favourite plants of butterflies which bees also love include;
Butterfly bush (Buddleia in variety)
Lavender (Lavandula in variety)
Cotoneaster species, provide flowers (and later on the birds like their beautiful red berries)
Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)- great for flowers and for berries and cover for nesting birds.

Perennial plants for butterflies;
Michaelmas daisy (Aster in variety)
Ice plant (Sedum specatbile)
Golden rod (Solidago in variety)
Yarrow (Achillea in variety)

What characteristics do these plants share? Just why are they so attractive to bees and butterflies?
Many are brightly coloured, for instance the golden/orange Yarrow (Achillea varieties) and those of the tall,orange flowered Golden rod. They have umbellifer heads of flowers clustered and attractive to insects. Solidago species are particularly good for attracting insects into your garden as bees and insects are attracted to yellow flowers. Many of these plants which are attractive to butterflies are other bright colours like red or muted shades like mauve, but as some are late flowering perennial plants; Sedum spectabile and Michaelmas daisy (Aster species) they appear at a time when other food sources are not so readily available for wildlife. They are also invaluable to the Wildlife gardener as a late source of visual interest in the autumn border, bringing much needed colour from August to October.

If you have an ecology question or query on wildlife plants
contact us for friendly and expert advice;
email; charmaine @landvision.co.uk
Tel; 01892 782200
Or, visit our website for testimonials and to see just a few habitats which we have created; www.landvision.co.uk

Breeam and The Code for Sustainable Homes, Landvision provide expert ecological input; Landvision can answer all your ecology and land use questions .

Questions we are often asked...
Can you obtain extra eco credits for us in Breeam and CSH (The Code for Sustainable Homes)Ecology and Land Use sections. How do we go about doing a Breeam assessment for Ecology and Land Use?
You need to use a Suitably qualified ecologist, such as Landvision, to undertake a site specific, ecology survey and for us to write you an Breeam ecology and CSH ecology report. These will enable you to gain more eco credits for your development; when you follow our specialist advice on ecology for your site. For more information on how we can help you email us at; charmaine@landvision.co.uk

Landvision provide expert ecologist and environmental design input into Breeam and The Code for Sustainable Homes.

What is Breeam and CSH? Landvision are expert ecologists with over 25 years professional training and experience in ecology and environmental design. Breeam and The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) are new environmental assessment standards. They have been set up to ensure that specialist ecological input is put into all new home building and other new building projects.

Breeam and CSH both aim to ensure that each new development works towards a healthy ecological and balanced landscape environment, for our children and grand children.

Do you have a new building project that we can help you with? Do you know what Breeam is and how Landvision's team of ecologists and environmental design consultants can help on your project?

Breeam is now the most widely used assessment method for buildings. Breeam has become the standard for best practice in sustainable development and is part of The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH). So what does undertaking a Breeam entail?

Breeam is now widely used as a shorthand way of summing up a building's environmental performance. It was devised by the BRE Trust of companies, a body set up to advise on delivering sustainability and innovation in the built environment and society. The Landscape and ecology section in Breeam ; how Landvision can help you to obtain maximum credits....
With 25 years experience as qualified ecologists, as well as members of both The Institute of Ecology & Environmental management (IEEM), and as Chartered Member of The Landscape Institute (1993), the Professional bodies of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, Landvision are specialist experts on landscape and ecology. We act as expert advisers on Breeam;Landscape and Ecology. Breeam deals with the need to assess, to protect and to enhance each development site's landscape, ecology and biodiversity.

Landvision undertakes detailed Breeam assessments for Landscape and Ecology to maximise Eco credits and comply with The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) producing Breeam Ecological Assessments and reports.

If you need an expert ecologist/landscape architect for Breeam, Landvision can help as your expert environmental design advisers.

We provide ecological input and expertise. As expert ecologists as well as landscape architects, we use our unique experience to produce your bespoke Breeam reports. Your ecology report will review the many ways for you to maximise opportunities to achieve your site's full ecological potential. This may be through a series of recommended enhancement and mitigation measures. These may be implemented over time. Your Breeam Landscape and ecology report will review ways of obtaining a sustainable approach to your new development, to comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH.)

Ecological design is Good practice.
A holistic approach is adopted by Landvision;the Code (CSH) and Breeam are developed together on each site. Each site is unique, with a bespoke ecological report produced that will ensure that the ecology and wildlife is conserved and improved.

Sustainability aims of Breeam.
Your Breeam assessment works to strengthen sustainability and through ecological mitigation and enhancement, the long term ecological health of your site and adjacent area will also be improved.

Conservation.
The site's ecological value will be conserved and enhanced through Breeam; a tool used by your ecologist to obtain a sustainable, ecological, detailed, site specific assessment with an enhancement programe often forming part of your site's Breeam.

Guaranteed enhancement of ecological value of site.
Landvision's imaginative and focused team will work hard to maximise opportunities for your Breeam assessment to achieve maximum eco credits.

This will help us all in turn to leave a more species diverse, more robust and healthier ecological future for our children and grand children to inherit.

To find out how we can help you with your Breeam so that your development complies with The Code for Sustainable Homes(CSH) or for any information about Breeam/CSH; ring Charmaine at Landvision; 01892 782200

New White Paper on Shaping England awaits your comments...Visit http://ww2.de fra.gov.uk/our-responsibilities/nat-environment/

The new White Paper on Shaping the Natural Environment in England awaits your comments.

What matters to you most? Are you running a small business, or are you a commuter?
Do you live in a suburban area? Is the protection of the rural fringe important to you?
Would you like to see more trees planted in your local park? More biodiversity and wildlife protection? Perhaps you would like to have greater access to the countryside near you?
Do you think that flood protection measures are sufficient in your area? Are SUDs being implemented and encouraged by your local authority?
Whatever your burning issue is regarding the environment, whatever your landscape needs and ideas, the government would like to hear from you! So, follow the link above and have your say today...
the New White Paper awaits your comments...

http://ww2.de fra.gov.uk/our-responsibilities/nat-environment/

Does size matter?

Planting large trees.

When it comes to it, why are small trees being planted when large trees are better for the long term?

Tree planting - As landscape architects, designers and tree experts, we are asked to design new planting schemes for parks and recreation, street planting and new housing developments. Where we can, we will try to plant large trees. On looking around us the choice of tree species usually used by others is poor. Why is this?

Why use a small tree such as a Sorbus aucuparia (Mountain Ash) in a public park when a large one such as a Quercus robur, (English Oak) or a Liquidambar styraciflua,a beautiful tree with stunning crimson colouring in autumn, would, when happily placed, suit the site so much better? Perhaps the people who have chosen the small trees have played safe because of a lack of understanding. On so many occasions, a larger tree would have been so much better, providing more shade and shelter; in the right place a large tree will not require continual tree pruning.

Right Tree - right place

London plane is a tree with one of the largest spreads of canopy. If planting London planes a large site is required, perhaps not the best everyday choice for a street tree? However, that is not so, they are a brilliant specimen street tree where space allows. Could they be used in the local supermarket car park? Why not? A large tree would give shade to cars parked underneath, would provide habitat, making car parks and shopping areas a much more pleasant place to be.

Tree planting tips.

Know your soil type and pH. Is it clay or sandy? Is it acid or neutral, or maybe even alkaline in pH?

Does your site have a micro climate such as a frost hollow, or is it exposed to high winds?

Size of the site; for a very small site, a small tree such as a rowan. However, for a large site, why not plant a large tree; this will become an important tree and a valuable landscape asset when mature.

If planting a tree, you need to know; how big the tree will be when mature, the useful life expectancy of the tree, other information, such as, does this tree drop branches? Are the roots of this species likely to cause problems with the drains? This all goes back to good tree selection.

The RHS site has a plant selector http://apps.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantselector/default.aspx This could help, or type the name on google; alternatively you can email us your tree enquiries to;
charmaine@landvision.co.uk or telephone us on (01892) 782200

Wadhurst Tennis Club Floodlighting Planning Application is successful due to help by Landvision Landscape plans and ecology report.

Wadhurst Tennis Club is successful in obtaining planning permission for floodlights at Wadhurst Tennis Club, Wadhurst Recreation Ground. Landvision helped to obtain this planning permission.

Landvision has recently helped to obtain planning permission for Wadhurst Tennis Club to install floodlights at their courts in Wadhurst Recreation Ground. Despite opposition from some nearby residents, Landvision's detailed planting plan has helped to set out and implement a landscape scheme at Wadhurst Rec Ground. Landvision also undertook a bat survey to support the planning application by Wadhurst Tennis Club. Thanks to this ecological work and to our landscape design plans, the whole community of Wadhurst can now enjoy walking and cycling to play tennis in the winter months and evenings, whereas previously they would have to travel miles to play on other courts.

The planning application was supported by detailed planting, designed and drawn up by our landscape architects which specified the planting of interesting and attractive trees with all year round interest, good autumn colour and blossom in spring. The trees and hedgerows now add species diversity and valuable wildlife interest to the areas around the tennis courts which were previously uninspiring grass banks and a flat area of grass.

The planning application was further supported by a bat survey by Landvision's ecologists which found that the proposed floodlighting would not affect bats. It is likely that further planting of trees and hedging that bats favour will also be undertaken as part of mitigation measures and in order to further enhance the area for wildlife.

The trees planted comprise;

Carpinus betulus Fastigiata- Fastigiate hornbeam- a tree which is well suited to the heavy clay soil and has lovely golden autumn foliage colour.

Other trees specified by Landvision's landscape planting for Wadhurst Tennis club include;

Malus "John Downie" – lovely Spring blossom and edible crab apples, great for bees.
Sorbus aucuparia – mountain ash, an atttractive native tree with feathery foliage and orange/red berries.
Ilex aquifolium – native holly, berries and evergreen cover for wildlife.

The hedging specified comprises;
Eleagnus x ebbingei, Euonymus japonicus, Ligustrum ovalifolium and Ilex aquifolium.

On the advice of Landvision's landscape managers, a regular programme of weed spraying and mulching has discouraged weed growth and assisted the much stronger growth and establishment of existing Fagus sylvatica (beech) hedging, which now reaches 2 metres high from a previous height of 1.2m high. The beech hedging gives all year round interest with bronze foliage retained in winter. The beech hedge has been supplemented by the planting design of additional holly, eleagnus and ligustrum hedges which now soften the court perimeters and add valuable all year round visual interest to the park.


Our landscape architects undertook the setting out of the planting schemes and contract managed the planting and maintenance of trees and hedges which was undertaken by specialist landscape contractors.

As a result of Landvision's landscape planning work, the community of Wadhurst and surrounding villages can now enjoy playing tennis all year round.

If you want to have your say, go to the Landvision Fan Page on face book;
Landvision Fan page
or add your comment below in the comments section.

How to save and to attract more butterflies in Butterfly Conservation Week.

How to save and attract more butterflies into your garden and land in Butterfly Conservation Week. This week is officially “Save our Butterflies week” 24th July- 1st August. So why not get involved?

I was listening to Mike Mullis, our local butterfly expert talking on Radio 4 this morning about our coppice woodlands in East Sussex, where they have successfully managed to conserve and protect populations of the rare Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly. They have managed this through captive breeding programmes and through re introduction of coppice woodland management. This has encouraged the growth of Dog Violet; the food plant of this rare butterfly. Mike has been involved in rearing Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterly larvae and re introducing them into the coppice woodlands, which is their preferred habitat. It is great news that his work is being so successful.

If you like butterflies, why not create an area in your garden for them to thrive? A sunny sheltered spot is ideal and remember to provide lots of their food plants for the butterfly larvae as well as lots of plants rich in nectar for the butterflies later. (see our previous blogs) or, email us with your inquiries at charmaine@landvision.co.uk and we will advise you.

Why not start visiting some butterfly habitats near you and try to spot some new butterflies?
If you spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot in your garden or local park, just watching and counting butterflies, you will learn which ones occur locally and also what their preferred habitats are.

You can try to encourage butterflies into your gardens and land, through small changes in planting and by sensitive landscape management with butterflies in mind. These changes to habitat management,by re introducing coppicing cycles into your small woodlands and by adding sunny,sheltered woodland rides and glades on your land, will really boost your local butterfly population. Why not start by leaving rougher areas of tall herbs/ long grass at the base of your hedges or by creating new areas of wildflower meadow grassland which will also encourage a much greater variety of butterflies on your land?

Butterfly Conservation week runs from 24th July - 1st August 2010. At a time when 7 out of 10 butterflies are in decline, this is an excellent time to start getting involved.

“What is the single most important thing we could do that is “Green” ?

“What is the single most important thing we could do to be “Green”?


I was reading the Green group comments on Linkedd in;
the question was asking for ideas on the single thing that each of us can do to help the planet?
Great question, but what is the best answer? Recycling? Growing your own food? Community action?

Well, I like this one;

“Develop the art of reflection. Ask yourself who am I? What am I doing here? What is important to me? What is my impact on others?
Keep asking yourself this every day.
When we discover who we truly are for ourselves and for others our perspectives change considerably. When you realise what is most important are relationships and community...your footprint on the planet will reduce naturally.”
(Dave Harvey)

Mostly we don't question our motives for our activities enough, if at all, or only very infrequently.
We just get sucked into doing things that maybe we simply don't need to do. We may find ourselves doing them just because it is expected of us, because everyone else is doing them and on it goes.

My father used to say; “If everyone went and jumped in the lake, would you follow them? No?So, don't just follow everyone, do your own thing.”

I would like to add my thought and comment here which was;
“Act now, whatever you do, start it today. Don't delay.”

Goethe said,
“Whatever you dream of doing, begin it now.” That boldness and action towards dreams has magic, genius and power in it.

So, whatever it is you can do, try to begin it, today.

Can we all start walking and stop talking?

I was listening to the radio when a man came on and began talking about the oil spill in the USA and how last time there was a major oil spill (Exxon) he had decided to stop talking and learn how to make his way out in the world without oil.
He began walking and he stopped talking.
That made me wonder how much I could do to make changes to my life and the local environment I live in. Would this make a difference?
Not unless other people did likewise?
Then I realised that we all have to start somewhere.
If I stopped driving short journeys and started walking I would;
1)Get fitter
2)Save money- less fuel.
3)See more people.
4)Be able to drop in on shops instead of looking for car parking spaces.
5)Go back a different way to the way I had gone to my destination.
6)That started me thinking how far more creative it is to be in charge of your own transport.
7)You can stop and start when you like, not be dictated to by traffic flows and traffic lights, fuel and repairs.
8)It is actually a way of freeing yourself.
9)I would, of course, have to plan my day a bit more so I could fit in the added walking time.
10)I would need to be more local, working and living more locally.
I decided to try to do like the walker. Stop talking and walk for 30 minutes more each day, for a start.
If we all decided to do this - there would be a big impact.

Who was it who said that a journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step?

How to create new habitats for Moths and Butterflies, increasing biodiversity and slowing decline in these species in Britain.

This month we have heard from Helen Briggs (BBC News) that UK moths are in “serious decline'.
Why is this important and why are we right to be concerned?
Richard Fox of Butterfly Conservation says in a recent report that numbers of moths have fallen by a third since 1968. This is a truly alarming decline in moths and it is thought to be indicative of a wider decline in British Biodiversity. It probably also reflects an actual loss of habitats for moths, other species which depend on them. It may also be indicative of the bigger biodiversity crisis that could be one of the knock on effects of global warming on British wildlife.

According to Dr Martin Warren of Butterfly Conservation, we have “only just seen the tip of the iceberg.” David Attenborough has agreed that British long term data showing decline in moths is indicative of habitat loss and that the UK has a unique position in holding such long term moth data. Other areas do not possess such long term data and are therefore perhaps not yet aware of the decline in their native species.

So should we be worried by the decline in our moth and butterfly species?
Could we be taking steps to redress the biodiversity balance? Why is our biodiversity declining?

With the ploughing up of unfertlised wildflower meadows and increased use of fertilisers and pesticides since the 1960's, many meadows and their wildflowers have been wiped out; these were a popular food source for butterflies and moths, plus other species which are dependant on them for their survival.

The group Butterfly Conservation has said that number of moths have fallen due to 97% of our flower rich meadows being lost in the past 50 years. Species of moth and butterfly that require special habitats are more at risk because they have specialised requirements. Grasslands have declined and the species that depend on them have done likewise. For instance, High Brown fritillary and Silver Spotted skipper butterflies have declined.

What these butterflies and moths need are new green infrastructure planting with enhanced wildlife habitat corridors. This is so that they can still transfer from one specialised habitat to another.

Two thirds of the 337 moth species studied showed a decreasing population trend in the last 35 years (Rothamsted Research Institute.)Further, more species have declined in Southern (75%) rather than northern (55%) Britain. Government Policy will need to make room for changes and better resources for moth and butterfly conservation. In the meantime, what can individuals and small groups do to help British moths and butterflies survive?

Conserve and manage your local hedgerows and field edges, creating and linking networks.
Create and manage grassland areas to keep a variety of heights of vegetation.
Wilder gardens can be a haven for moths and butterflies. This verdant style of mature garden, akin to the old style English cottage gardens, can be just as attractive as more formal gardens.
Keep an area for wildlife and allow grasses and wildflowers to flower and complete life cycles.
Plant food plants for moth larvae and adult moths. (Many of our wild grasses fall into this category.)
Also, add plants moths and butteflies love; Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle),Oenothera (Evening primrose) and Valerians, aswell as Centranthus, Ligustrum and Sedum asters and Erigeron species of perennial plants; these are all attractive to butterflies.

If you don't have a garden yet you can join a garden share scheme or perhaps set one up locally? Start an allotment. Plant flowers for cutting as well as some small fruit trees and peas and beans on your allotment.
If left to grow to maturity near to the base of mixed native hedges, long grasses will attract many British moth species. Grasses left to grow tall will provide cover for overwintering insects aiding to stem the decline in biodiversity.

"Good Foundations" Project - why analysing well being is important in space design and mangement.

Good Foundations Project - how design and management of communities can be enhanced.

This is a project worthy of some air time. A project based on increasing well-being in communities.

So how do we measure happiness and well being? How do we build a sense of real security and enhanced sense of place in new communities within new building projects?

“The Centre for Well-being at nef recently launched the findings of its Building Well-being project at the Building Centre, London.”

How can we determine value added by happiness and a sense of well being?
If we can do this then we can begin to drive well-being and to plan, design and develop it into our neighbourhoods.
This is an interesting challenge to be met by the management, design & construction professionals of the future. To build these aims into future design and management projects at an early stage.

There is also a new report;
“Good Foundations, proposes that our measure of success should be neighbourhoods that promote two key outcomes:
place Happiness: the personal, social and economic well-being of inhabitants
place Sustainability: which arises from minimising the environmental impact throughout both the construction process and lifetime of a building or place.
The aim of Good Foundations is to stimulate the beginnings of a cultural shift in the built environment sector. Recognition in the sector of the interdependence of well-being and sustainability is critical, not least because the built environment influences all of us when it comes to the choices and decisions we make on a day-to-day basis.”

How can we use these findings in our everyday lives? Well, maybe some of you do already, or you live in areas where these aims have been achieved in the past? In which case, those around you may already be feeling the benefit.

Food for thought - how getting on your bike, and asking your MP to do the same, will help.

Food for thought- if we are heading for a food crisis related to peak Oil, how getting on your bike and asking your local MP to do so, can help.

Ask your local politicians if they own a bicycle? If so, do they ever use it?

Ask the next government to tax bank bonuses 100% and reinvest the billions of pounds in buying bicycles for students and the long term unemployed; Einstein would have approved of this.

Until huge inequalities are addressed by our politicians (pay gaps between bankers' bonuses and tax payers' average salaries are tackled) many people will have little faith in their elected representatives' ability to govern responsibly or for the good of the majority of the population.

Ask the politicians what their policies will be on peak Oil and how they propose to plan for the long term shortage that oil and other fuels will bring?

What would you and your friends like to see happen? Ask for this when they ask for your vote.

What exactly are all the main parties' manifestos on Peak Oil? No one knows...

What are their timescales? No one has any...

China is buying up huge tracts of land reserves in Africa and other parts of the world. This is to ensure that it will have food in the future. What is the UK and US investing in for the long term? No one knows...We suspect that nothing is being done about food reserves/land acquisition. Why not?

China is investing in high speed rail links.. Not so the UK or the US. Why not? It is clear that oil supplies are going to peak in 10-20 years and then we will be reliant on rail and communal transport, or the country will grind to a halt.

China is putting in place long term sustainability policies right now. What are we doing in the UK?...No one knows...

In 10 years time, we will not be able to make up the lost ground on our misplaced investments (nor recoup the lost benefits.) We only have enough food in the supermarkets for 5 days if Peak Oil happens and we run out of oil. Essential food and other resources that we can no longer import will have to be bought locally. So, what can we start doing about this? Build local resilience, local food supply chains now. We should make a start.

Some other things that you might be able to help with. Small is beautiful. Try to consider your own position in this scenario.

Downsize on car numbers and size- 3 is too many.(2 is also too many.)Do you really need a 4 wheel drive if you live in the suburb of a town. Really? If you don't live on a farm you do not need it.
If you live in a city consider using public transport.
Share lifts and rationalise journeys where possible.
If you can be flexible, look at adjusting your life style. You will be freer and healthier as well as having more money to spend on enjoyable things (that cost less and bring quality of life)
At least down size your car(s) next time you have a chance to.( You will also be creating less air/dust pollution as well as using up less fuel!)
Buy/share a bike,walk, take the train/ tram/bus..even occasionally.
Car sharing/car pools. If you haven't got one locally, perhaps look at setting one up?
This will all save you money.

You can also join a local Transition Towns group. Look at some on the web. Chichester, Lewes, Stroud and Brixton all have them. We have set one up in Wadhurst recently. Celebrate local food, local diversity and activities that build your local community and make it what it is.
They are about raising awareness of Peak Oil and building resilience locally.
Consider your lifestyle choices.
Take the train/boat once in a while.
Recycle.
Grow your own food- it not only tastes better it also works out cheaper than buying it.
Buy local food and services as much as you can. This should work out cheaper, as food will have travelled less far. It will encourage local markets to expand, building links in your local community- more resilience.
Services – using local staff who travel less far to work saves everyone time and resources.= Better value for money.
Feeling reluctant? Can't see the need to change? Why should you do anything at all?
If you take a look at our landvision blog on Climate change (Sept 2009) and the flooding one (Dec 2009) you will understand where the climate is heading (El Nino effect and other changes) and try to begin to take steps now to redress the balance. Its about buying time for our children to act when they need to.

Look into installing solar panels, rainwater harvesting, insulation. Each year if you invest in these alternative energies and conservation measures, as fuel prices rise, you will be glad that you did. Ask local politicians on funding for these changes- we need encouragement to start these changes now.

Set up local meetings, to raise awareness about peak oil; increased understanding will bring solutions and a better world. Green Drinks anyone?

Discuss Peak Oil and other global issues/ or the latest news. They are not going to disappear; better to face them and find solutions now, rather than wait for the impact later. It will also help to give our children more time and their children more opportunity to do things if we start now.

If your job allows it (not all jobs do) maybe you could home work for part of the week and try to cut down on your working week. It cuts out the commute and is green, as well as saving you more time that would have been spent on travel;increased quality of life is worth a lot in money terms.

Just remember, you do have a choice..and a responsibility. Everyone does.

Some solutions are simpler than they might first seem...They just require a shift in awareness and increased understanding. Lets get everyone back on their bikes, including politicians.

Einstein said that whenever he saw someone riding a bicycle, he felt that there was hope left for humanity.

Email us with any comments or queries;
charmaine@landvision.co.uk

or visit www.landvision.co.uk

What kind of a world are we going to leave for our children and granchildren to live in?

One with fewer and fewer natural resources? Even if we all want electric cars in a few years time, there will not be enough lithium on earth for the batteries...(C Marteson)A sobering thought. So, shall we continue consumption of oil at present rates (in the past 22 years we have used half the world's reserves...) until we are forced to expend 1 barrel of oil for every barrel extracted? If things carry on as they are at the moment, oil wells will need to drill to reserves deeper and deeper, making oil more expensive than ever. If we also fail to reinvest in wind/ solar power technology and other sustainable energy, we will continue running towards the solid wall of low/no oil in 20 years (or less). If however, we reduce our consumption of everything, if we learn to slow down and conserve our resources, we may be able to steer a way out of the present doldrums. Maybe inflation will limit our ability to buy them anyway.
Better to start now to try to control oil use. If we act as responsible Stewards, the world which we hand on to our children and their children will be a better conserved one.

Public and private spending needs to be reduced so that long term debts can be paid off. By building resilience in local communities and economies, food, fuel and energy green links, can be forged.

"we might also imagine that if we diverted money being spent on military expenditures into, say, high speed trains, wind farms, natural gas pipelines and distribution stations, and an upgraded electrical smart grid ...we'd get far more immediate and lasting economic benefit (and improved national security too, I might point out) than we would out of so-called "defense spending....
The cold economic truth is that we are slowly bankrupting our country.. we are spending our money on things that do not contribute to our collective long-term prosperity...” Chris Marteson

The same applies to the UK and many EU countries at the moment.
So, why aren't governments all around the world reacting, cutting defense and other short term spending? The answer is, we don't know...In fact, no one knows why...

The talk on peak oil yesterday in the House of Commons highlights the need for a long term approach.

We need to ask ;
What kind of a world do we want to leave for our children and grandchildren to live in?

You can send us comments or a query at;

charmaine@landvision.co.uk

More tomorrow..!

Tree Surveys. Veteran tree surveys, tree surveys to BS 5837: 2005 plus tree management plans.

At LandVision we are often asked to undertake a tree survey. Our first question to our client is; “what is the purpose of the tree survey?” Here we investigate different types of tree survey available.
First of all, is it just one tree which you would like us to survey? Or, maybe a population of trees such as groups on campuses or business parks? Very often with single trees, a tree inspection is called for. This is an in depth examination of the tree for a hazard assessment or an amenity value tree assessment. This type of tree survey may be required if the client wishes to remove a tree previously protected under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), if the tree is dead, dying or dangerous.
Another reason for a tree inspection might be that further management of a veteran tree, such as an old yew or an Oak, is required, in order to prolong the tree's life. A Veteran tree inspection will lead to an informed management plan being written for the detailed up keep of the veteran tree. This type of tree inspection is detailed. It not only looks at the structural aspects of the tree, at any pests and diseases found, but it will also look at the wildlife potential and the ultimate longevity of this veteran tree. So, a tree inspection can be for a single or individual trees and this is a detailed tree inspection.

When tree surveys are of populations of trees, they tend to be less detailed and can vary from the basic naming or “stock take” of trees to the more detailed survey for BS; 5837:2005. Finally, the tree survey might be a tree safety survey.

Areas which may require a tree survey are public open space, street trees, campuses, parks and gardens. The survey might be for bringing a local authority's TPO register up-to-date, or for investigating the planting potential within an area where mature trees already exist. BS: 5837: 2005 (Trees in relation to construction) and trees in relation to other planning related law to do with trees and wildlife, are also some areas of tree survey work that LandVision undertake.

If you have an inquiry about a tree, why not give us a ring? It is useful if you can send us plans of the existing site and of the proposed development if these are available. We will then be able to assess the extent of the survey and special engineering solutions where these are required. You can take a look at our tree page on;
www.landvision.co.uk or ring 01892 782200.

BREEAM - how to begin gaining Eco Credits

BREEAM - how to begin gaining Eco Credits for more biodiversity in your local community; part of moving towards zero carbon rated new housing, from 1 May 2008, all new homes in UK are now required to be rated on their green credentials, as part of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
There are generally no less than seven credits available within BREEAM assessments with respect to Ecology / Biodiversity. Eco Homes, Eco1 to Eco4 comprise 9.23% of the total score, which can make the difference between a Pass and a Good and significantly contribute to achieving Very Good and Excellent ratings.

Landvision works with clients and can provide specialist ecological input, thus assisting BREEAM Assessors to successfully gain such scores. You can maximise your credits by asking us to look at and consider ecological opportunities within your site in the early stages. This is preferable to waiting until the planning application has been made - when retrospective action is harder to achieve in layout design and can cause planning delays and higher long term project costs.
To avoid these costly delays, using an IEEM qualified assessor like Landvision will help you to gain valuable eco points for your new house.

The most effective ways of achieving eco credits are:
Employing an IEEM qualified ecologist to undertake survey pre-design
Protection and retention of areas of established habitat, particularly high quality habitats
Landscape plans with planting of native species and wildlife friendly species
Addition of ecological enhancement measures, for example, adding bird and bat boxes
Ecological Management Plan to manage the area after the development is complete
You can have a look at some of our past work; www.landvison.co.uk
Alternatively, do click on breeam page for more details.

How to attract wildbirds into your garden by creating suitable habitat.

How to attract lots of wild birds into your garden; bullfinch, goldfinch, greenfinch, wren, chaffinch, Long-tailed tit, tree sparrow, house sparrow, dunnock, robin, serin, great tit, coal tit, collared dove, wood pigeon, pied wagtail, to name but a few wild birds which can be attracted to gardens by creating suitable habitat.

If you have hedges on your site, protect, retain and manage them for maximum width at the bottom and trim into an A shape over time; this is wildlife friendly. Hedges make excellent cover for birds, especially if they are berry bearing and consist of native species. If you only have a fence, consider planting a native hedge, double row if possible, along your boundary; the more different species you plant, the greater the variety of birds you will attract. Plant hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) for berries for birds, flowers for insects, wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) which bees love, with dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), flowers and berries, Holly (Ilex aquifolium) for all year round cover and berries in winter months. Including as many different species as possible, means that they will flower at different times; this will attract a wider variety of insects, which in turn attracts more varied birds.

Try to plant a few native trees where space allows; trees with berries are best.
Sorbus aucuparia is a good small tree with lots of wildlife interest; it has sprays of white flowers in Spring and red berries in the autumn. If you have enough space, why not try planting native shrubs too, such as Hazel (Corylus avellana), catkins and nuts, Elder (Sambucus nigra), flowers and berries or some Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) for flowers and berries.

Non native shrubs that are great for providing berries for birds include;
Pyracantha “Orange Glow”, Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster lacteus.

Adding a bird feeder with wild bird seed will also help to attract birds in initially.

I will write more next time about how to attract wildlife to your garden. If you have a working farm and would like to apply for ESA or HSA countryside Stewardship grant, we can prepare your Farm Environment plans or FEPs. For more details, contact; charmaine@landvision.co.uk

Or, if you would like to have a look at past landscapes we have created, take a look at our website;
www.landvision.co.uk

Discovery of 3 new Sorbus spp; Sorbus cheddarensis, Sorbus eminentoides & Sorbus rupicoloides aid Biodiversity argument.

Conservation & managing for increasing biodiversity,managing natural resources responsibly and increasing sustainability are key issues; habitats are under pressure and rainforests are being destroyed, so discovery of 3 new Whitebeam (Sorbus cheddarensis, Sorbus eminentoides and Sorbus rupicoloides) in the UK Whitebeam hot spot of Cheddar Gorge, (where 8 species of Whitebeam now grow), is heartening news indeed. We should really be encouraged by this; biodiversity and enhancing and safeguarding our natural resources is vital, if they are to be there for future generations to enjoy.

The 3 exciting new species show that evolutionary processes are operating effectively in these habitats; with the result, confirmed by DNA testing, of these 3 new species, Cheddar Whitebeam, Sorbus cheddarensis, Twin cliffs whitebeam, Sorbus eminentoides and Gough's Rock whitebeam, Sorbus rupicoloides, reinforcing the importance of continuing to preserve our biodiversity.

Mark Courtiour, NT Countryside Manager; "We always wondered what whitebeam rarities might be lurking in the gorge as it's such a stunning place for wildlife. This important survey work will help with our management of the site now we know what we have and where they can be found."

So, what more might we be able to do to continue to help biodiversity and evolving species like the UK Whitebeam (Sorbus species), so that they are safeguarded for future generations to see and enjoy?

One way of helping is by managing your land for enhanced biodiversity and protecting any endangered sites or species near you. Conserving mature habitats, such as native hedges, woodland and species diverse natural wild grassland will help to ensure that species are allowed to evolve and develop in their natural environment. If you would like to know more take a look at some of our work on www.landvision.co.uk

The new discovery illustrates that sensitive habitat management and botanical survey work pays off. This was the first time this site had been surveyed for Whitebeams. The Gorge is steep, making survey work hazardous, in parts the ledges of the gorge are 120 metres high, (same as a 40-storey high rise block of flats/appartment) and so parts are almost inaccessible. This gorge is the largest in the UK.

So, what do the new species discovered look like?

Whitebeams belong to the Sorbus family. There are now over 30 known species in the UK. From old English ‘beam' meaning tree, the underside of its leaves are covered in fine white hairs, hence named Whitebeam. They also have red fruits that resemble tiny apples.

8 whitebeam species occur in this part of England, including the 3 new species which are;
Cheddar whitebeam (Sorbus cheddarensis) – oval shaped leaves; tree can grow to seven metres high,at least 19 trees found.
Twin cliffs whitebeam (Sorbus eminentoides) - has roundish leaves, grows up to 9 metres, greyish brown bark. 15 trees recorded.
Gough's rock whitebeam (Sorbus rupicoloides) - long narrow leaves, tree grows up to seven metres. 13 trees found in Cheddar gorge.

Hugh Cornwell, Director of Cheddar Caves and Gorge; "This discovery demonstrates the rich biodiversity in the Gorge." Other UK locations which whitebeam favour are; the Avon Gorge, Bristol, Wye Valley, Craig-y-Cilau in Brecon Beacons and the northern parts of the Devon-Somerset coast. 2 other National Trust sites,Watersmeet in N Devon and Leigh Woods in Bristol also contain species unique to their sites.

At a time when the earth's natural resources are under increasing pressure,conserving biodiversity has not always had the air space it deserves. This discovery Dr Tim Rich, Head of Vascular Plants, Welsh National Herbarium says;
" (shows) that we're still learning about the natural world and finding new species of plants in the UK. Cheddar is a very special place."
It is clear that we should be encouraging processes of evolution, through sensitive management of biodiversity as this brings rewards in the form of evolving species like Whitebeam (Sorbus spp.)for future generations to enjoy.