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

Old veteran oak trees and unusual deadwood insects.

Veteran oak trees and unusual deadwood insects.

At Chatsworth, the old park has been made an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) on account of its very old trees or veteran trees' richness of insect and lichen (and fungi) life. So, why are these old trees, especially old oak and lime, so important?

The SSSI status is based on the richness of the insect life found on the old oak trees. Using an index of ecological continuity, the site is in the top 50 for the UK. In addition, lowland and southern sites like Chatsworth are even more important, as they are far richer in insect life, being located in generally warmer areas.

Many highly localised species benefit from the continuity that historic woodlands offer. South west facing trees for example, are the most attractive to insects as they are warm and more hospitable. Part of the forest at Chatsworth is called Greater Sherwood with sites loosely connected to the real Sherwood Forest itself. There are some spectacular looking insects, which Roger Key (of Natural England) has identified. These include;

Net-winged beetle – a scarlet and black beetle which is one of the Sherwood specialities.

Tanbark beetle - a large scarlet and metallic blue longhorn beetle, in thick oak bark.

Longhorn beetle – highly ornate, patterned, large longhorn beetle.

Cobweb beetle - this has very fuzzy larva which are covered in little tufty bristles, to keep spiders at bay.

The important ecological niches for all these deadwood beetles are almost all associated with old oak trees (and one is associated with old lime trees.) For instance, fungal heart decay in very old oak trees provides a variety of wood mould of various consistencies. This provides an ecological niche which is highly specialised and which allows a number of unusual insect species to thrive. The thick, loose bark of old oaks is another very important habitat for insect species.

So, not only are old oak trees beautiful but their role as insect host to unusual insect species is also vital. This is why we need to try to keep all our old oak trees safe and to preserve them for future generations to enjoy. Planting new tree species of oak and also hawthorn as a nectar source for saproxylic invertebrates (insects), adjacent to and near to existing veteran oak tree woods is important. This will give continuity to veteran oak tree habitats, for future generations to enjoy.

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.