The population of London is expected to grow from 8.96 million in 2021 to 9.4 million in 2030 [1] and to 11 million by 2050 [2]. As it grows, the Greater London Authority (GLA) is committed to making London a greener city by increasing Urban Green Ratio.

In addition to the growth in population, London is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of tall buildings. The New London Architecture’s annual review of skyscrapers over 20 storeys or more states that there are 587 tall buildings in the pipeline in London – with 310 granted full planning permission and 127 under consideration. [3]

“City of London skyscrapers” by futureshape is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The tall buildings will be accompanied by an increase in the number of smaller buildings.

In the last two decades, the GLA has taken a number of steps to protect the green spaces in London. The London Plan has set out policies to protect the green spaces in London.

The GLA set out the primary planning goals for the Central Activities Zone as to: (a) increase green space; (b) improve air quality; (c) reduce the UHI effect (heat island) and (d) prevent flash floods, with climate change adaptation and mitigation seen as a cross cutting issue. [4]

These goals are united in conserving, generating and enhancing green spaces in London.

The GLA has estimated that the green spaces in London will need to increase by a minimum of one million square metres by 2050.

The Mayor’s London Plan in which two goals relate to urban green space and aim at addressing vegetation loss, overheating and flooding. To address the former it was envisioned to plant 2 million trees and to increase green space by 5 % by 2030 and another 5 % by 2050 (2011a), with the street tree programme especially targeting areas known to experience overheating. It also has a Living Roofs and Walls scheme focused on creating green roofs and recreational living roofs and green walls to help London adapt to the risks of climate change such as flooding, overheating, drought; and reducing the urban heat island effect in the city (GLA, 2008). [5]

Solutions

To increase urban green ratio in London, there is a need to develop innovative solutions. One of the solutions is to use green infrastructure in cities. It is the network of green spaces, rivers and wetlands, as well as features in urban spaces such as street trees and green roofs, that provide the natural environment for wildlife and people.

Green infrastructure can help to alleviate the effects of climate change. It can also help to increase biodiversity and enhance the quality of life of London residents.

One key example of green infrastructure (and blue links) is the Thames Estuary, which is the largest wetland in the UK. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the famous Bewick’s swans.

“Bewick’s swan” by Marie Hale is licensed under CC BY 2.0

In the past, the Thames Estuary was very polluted by sewage and industrial waste. But in the 1970s, the government decided to clean up the Thames Estuary. They spent a lot of money on the clean-up. Nature based solutions can offer enhanced green spaces which also function as ways of tackling pollution, the urban heat island effect, and help with drainage.

There is a growing awareness and evidence base for the multiple benefits of green infrastructure in addition to the habitat it inherently provides to wildlife, including wellbeing of London residents and its role to alleviate the affects of climate change.

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The need for Natural Landscapes and accessible public green space.

The need for Landscapes for human well being is increasing  This includes the need for Natural landscapes for good mental health and wellbeing. Especially following events such as the pandemic Covid 19 and during wars. Historically humans have needed green space and natural landscapes such as National Parks as a place of reprieve and respite. Urban and rural open spaces are vital for the smooth functionning of modern day society. Natural Landscapes can be truly beneficial to us as individuals or in groups. They are a vital highly valued finite resource for use by the larger community. By protecting and enhancing natural landscapes, we can provide a powerful and largely free antidote to busy everyday life. The need for Landscapes for human well being

We aim to design, create and manage beautiful landscapes. By making high quality green space accessible to all, we reduce pressure on important services such as public health and social services, leaving spending for those who really need it. The need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing is now recognised by research.

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By conserving and enhancing the quality of natural landscapes, we can restore our sense of calm and well being. Accessibility is vital, as we all benefit from a connection to nature.

This need for tranquility and calm is reflected in the demand for access to natural landscapes, National Parks such as South Downs National Park, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) such as the High Weald AONB, as well as other more remote landscapes.

Organisations such as the National Trust promote accessibility to green spaces in their rural estates, variety of gardens, historic parkland and important coastline landscapes. Wildlife Trusts such as Sussex Wildlife Trust manage wildlife reserves for the benefit of biodiversity, and these sensitively managed spaces are important natural landscapes.

The need for Landscapes for human well being,  why are natural landscapes important?

As a species, humans originally evolved as hunter gatherers. This transitioned to farmers as hunter-gatherer bands began to settle. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests not only do we need the land for survival, in terms of resources such as food, but, in fact that landscapes are also vital in promoting our physical and mental health. That the need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing is increasing.

Research has shown that we can all benefit greatly by increasing access to natural landscapes and green spaces, connecting to nature in our local neighbourhoods.

How can Landscapes help us?

Health and Landscapes

It is now widely understood that there is a strong link between our health and the landscapes around us so it is proven that the need for Landscapes for human well being is there. By increasing access to natural landscapes and green spaces, and connecting with nature in our everyday lives, we can all benefit greatly in terms of our physical and mental health.

Increase in activity:

It is widely known that when we are outdoors, we are more active. Activity and exercise are very important in maintaining overall health. Physically, many health problems can be linked to inactivity and obesity. Some examples spring to mind immediately such as stroke, heart disease or cancer. Other examples may be less obvious. Conditions influenced by inactivity present with an entire range of co-morbid health problems, with links to greater risk of poor health outcomes.

By increasing the quality, accessibility, the size and number of landscapes aswell as green links via green infrastructure we can help society to be more healthy. By encouraging public use of these natural landscapes, we can therefore encourage healthier lifestyles overall. The prevention of poor outcomes and long term disease is something that can be directly influenced by this knowledge of how to manage and optimise use of landscapes. This knowledge, through sensitive landscape design and management, will lead to far better outcomes for whole communities and a fitter and healthier population, and helping prove the need for Landscapes for human well being. Use of local green space, (and staycations) may also help to reduce carbon footprints aiding the slow down of climate change.

Improving mental health:

There is now a wealth of evidence to suggest that time spent in natural landscapes can have a profound effect on our mental health. In a fast–paced, technology driven world, it is more important than ever that we take time to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with nature. By doing so, we can improve our concentration and productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our sense of well–being.

Reducing stress and anxiety:

The need for fresh air and Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing has been demonstrated during pandemics such as Covid 19 (2020-2022 onwards). Not only does activity in our local green spaces and wider landscapes reduce stress and anxiety through the production of endorphins, but there is a growing body of research that suggest just being outside in natural landscapes really does help to make us happier and healthier. It’s a win win situation for all and the need to protect these landscapes has never been more urgent.

Technology detox:

In our fast–paced, technology driven world, it is more important than ever that we take time to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with nature. By doing so, we can improve our concentration and productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our sense of well–being. We all know how good it feels to spend time in nature, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time, or we may not have access to green spaces where we live. However, there are ways to bring nature into our everyday lives, even if we live in an urban environment. By making small changes to our daily routine, we can reap the benefits of time spent in nature, even if we only have a few minutes to spare.

The importance of viewing natural beauty:

The need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing has been proven. That by simply looking at scenes of natural beauty, this can have a positive impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that looking at nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and improve our mood and sense of well–being. So, next time you are feeling stressed, anxious or down, take a few minutes to step outside and look at the natural world around you. Even if you live in an urban environment, you can find beauty in the simplest of things, such as seasonal leaf clour of a tree nearby, blossom, or areas of grassland, especially if there are flowering wildflowers and grasses included in the landscape.

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Determining visual effects and their significance are an intrinsic part of the LVIA assessment. This includes; looking at the contribution of each effect on the visual receptors. For each visual effect, the nature and sensitivity of the visual receptors are important. A methodical approach is required. For each effect identified. the nature of the receptors is then assessed. The nature of the visual effects are examined together with the nature of the effects on views and visual amenity. These will be assessed by the Landscape Architect in order to determine the significance of the visual effects.

Visual receptors may be for example, be looking at historic features in the landscape, such as listed buildings or historic landscapes, archaeological sites, hill forts, castles, ancient hedgerows.

The latest LVIA Guidelines place a greater emphasis of the need to examine the history and culture underlying a landscape as part of the landscape sensitivity. This is due to the inherent sensitivity of historic landscapes which cannot be recreated once lost. All the United Kingdoms landscapes are historic, but there are some landscapes we feel are precious. These landscapes are protected with National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Special Landscape Area classification.

Equally, visitors to the South Downs National Park are highly sensitive to changes in the landscape.

Hence the need to conserve and enhance these highly sensitive landscapes through LVIA and ES.

Determining susceptibility to changes in views includes a need to define; who will be affected by a change in the view? What is the nature of their view and what is the occupation of the viewer? What will be the duration of the visual effect? What is the proportion of the view of a certain landscape will be affected? A receptor may, for instance, be a retired, a local resident who treasures a certain view which they look at every morning at breakfast. Conversely, a receptor may be working on a farm nearby, not so sensitive to a change in the view. It is thus important to ask, who will be affected by the change in view?

Where the receptor is located will also give clues which will help to determine the visual sensitivity. In a National Park, of high landscape sensitivity, walkers will have high sensitivity to changes in their views, due to their location within a very sensitive landscape. The susceptibility to change in views is compounded by the essence of their occupation of recreation and walking, which relies heavily on the nature of the landscape and views for a primary source of inspiration and relaxation.

Ancient woodlands, historic settlement patterns and old, moated manor houses are all visited by millions of receptors every year for the same reasons and are thus deemed highly sensitive to changes in their setting.

LVIAs by Landvision in a protected landscape such as a National Park, or ANOB in Hampshire, Surrey, Kent and Sussex will take sensitivity and susceptibility of visual receptors to change in views, into account, when appraising LVIA and visual receptor sensitivity.

Value attached to a certain landscape is important in determining sensitivity to change. There needs to be recognition of the value attached to a certain view. For instance a site of heritage value, that is widely visited by enthusiasts will have a greater sensitivity and the value attached to the views of such a site will be high.

The baseline landscape and the effects of the development on the baseline are investigated. This requires information on the value placed on the landscape, which may be historic in Hampshire or Sussex, its evolution to the present and the associations of the site with Hampshire or Sussex local history. The valued parts of History and Cultural heritage will be protected and suitable mitigation and enhancements will be identified as part of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments in Hampshire and Sussex.

The screening process by Landvision will consider characteristics of the project and the value placed on certain landscapes can be seen through notation in guidebooks, protection of the landscape using designations such as National Park or ANOB, references to certain landscapes in books and inspiration for paintings. What visual effects will the proposed development have on the on baseline landscape in Hampshire or Sussex? What will these be and can they mitigated for? Recognition of the value attached to certain views is important, just as the location, layout and components of the proposed development will be part of the LVIA. History and Cultural Heritage of Sussex are elements of this baseline assessment work in the latest guidelines for LVIA. The LVIA includes effects on the visual receptors who place importance on the visual amenity and landscapes associated with the settings of listed buildings and scheduled monuments, identifies in LVIA reports for developments in Hampshire and Sussex.

As part of the ES and LVIA reports, mitigation proposals and enhancement proposals may be required. Environmental Statement Reports and LVIA reports by Landvision will frequently describe mitigation and management of mitigation schemes as part of the LVIA and ES assessment reports. For further information; please go to the contacts page; or ring us on Landvision 01892 782200.

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Habitat creation.

Habitat creation in Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Hampshire, including tree planting in Surrey, Sussex and Kent. 

This habitat creation can mitigate for LVI as part of LVIA and can include orchid and other planting. Some rare species of plants are protected so check with us first. Rare plants should not be removed from their wild habitats.

Landvision advisers can help to create habitats with suitable habitat conditions for unusual and special species such as orchids. we will advise on sensitive locations and designs for these species in wildflower meadows, forest gardens and rain gardens if space allows.

We undertake habitat creation and landscape designs for large private estates in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. We also prepare woodland management plans and parkland management plans in Hampshire and Kent.

 Creating habitats.

We can advise you on habitat creation on your land, for orchids and butterflies.

We design for creation of habitats, such as wildflower meadows and butterfly gardens.

We can provide specialist design advice for green roofs, and habitat creation for varied eco projects.

Forest gardens and rain gardens.

Forest gardens are increasing in the UK. Landvision design involves habitat creation for these beautiful and sustainable habitats in Surrey and Sussex.

Landscape designs including forest gardens, rain gardens can also include wildlife ponds and wildflower meadows.

This habitat creation will support beautiful and rare species including dragon flies, newts and protected species such as unusual woodland birds.

Stepping Stones and Green links.

Down land stepping stones, wildflower enhancements, sustainable drainage systems in gardens, woodlands and orchards are also planned and planted.

What are habitat creation benefits?

Landvision designs for habitat creation and adding Green infrastructure (GI) links, in Surrey and Sussex, help to improve quality of life and health and well being. They add wildlife and biodiversity, creating tranquillity and relaxing places to be.

Ecological Diversity.

The use of habitat creation helps to enhance ecological diversity. Habitat creation by Landvision in Surrey and Sussex also builds resilience to climate change. Creation of habitats can help economic attractiveness. These benefits to society are immeasurable but are vital and are called ecosystem services.

SUDs and sustainable landscapes.

Landvision’s designs and habitat creation in Sussex, Surrey and Kent are part of the latest vision, and goal . This is to create a resilient landscape to combat effects of climate change. By creating and linking green infrastructure we can create the new robust multi purpose landscapes which we need. This will help us to combat future climate change effects and reduce frequency of storm water events such as flooding.

Our plans for habitat creation will help you to obtain planning permission. this is as the latest planning legislation protects the landscape and looks for links of green infrastructure and habitats to be created. Landvision plans help to provide these new links and to enhance existing habitats in your landscapes. The costs are generally low compared to the overall construction budget.

However, this will have immeasurable lasting positive effects for you to enjoy. Then also, for you to leave behind, for future generations to enjoy.

Creating a strong Sense of Place.

The landscape designs by Landvision have been used in schools, colleges and offices, as well as new builds, large private gardens and parkland estates. Our designs produce a strong sense of place. They can also add to landscape character.

Do you need a beautiful place to live and work in? Landvision design beautiful landscapes which are functional.

Green infrastructure in Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and Kent.

Did you know that including more varied native species to plant, we can add to variety of wildlife? This helps to enhance local landscapes and a strong sense of place.

• GI contributes to sustainable development and to overall planning policy objectives and guidance for landscape.
• The need for GI to be in long-term planning, including management and maintenance
• National Planning Practice Guidance, GI links including to climate change, public health and putting GI into local plans.
• A clear statement highlighting that the Community Infrastructure Levy can be used to fund GI
• Importance of GI within local and neighbourhood planning.
  

  

  When and why is mitigation required in LVIA? 

Mitigation in LVIA in Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey will include accurate baseline studies by Landvision. It can also include habitat creation and other enhancements as well as SUDs, (Sustainable urban drainage schemes) integrated into wetland management.

Baseline Studies.

Baseline studies are vital for  drawing up effective mitigation in LVIAs in Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire. Assessments of landscape and visual effects are set against baseline studies.

What will the results be used for?

The results of the LVIA baseline studies will determine significance of likely effects including any cumulative effects.

Mitigation is part of the LVIA process used by Landvision in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent.

Baseline studies in Surrey and Hampshire will include any landscape designations, the latest landscape character assessments, information on landscape history, plus any sites of recreational interest, for example, Country Parks, AONBs (Areas of Outstanding Natural beauty).

If there are likely to be significant landscape effects on the baseline landscape, an LVIA by Landvision in Surrey and Hampshire will recommend appropriate mitigation.

Mitigation is part of the LVIA process in Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey. It is required to minimise the adverse landscape and visual effects of a proposed development. This may be the effects of changes in views on “receptors”, people receiving views of proposed developments.

What are Receptors?

Receptors affected by  changes in views are often walkers who value landscape natural beauty. Areas of AONB and National parks are particularly prized. In High Weald AONB in Sussex and Kent LVIA mitigation can be required. In Landvision LVIA in Kent and Sussex, the landscape and visual effects are examined to determine mitigation in the LVIA in Kent and Sussex. This includes mitigation from viewpoints in Kent and Sussex. This mitigation is determined as the effects of the proposed development on viewpoints are assessed.

During the scoping study for LVIAs in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent. Key LVIA issues are examined; these will include  significant landscape and visual effects. If developments lie within South Downs National Park in Sussex, on a Ramsar site in Sussex or Kent, or perhaps in a SSSI in Surrey, then mitigation will be needed as part of the LVIA.

For LVIAs in Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and Surrey, Landvision’s mitigation will be assessed. Consultees can include Natural England or the Environment Agency for linking of green infrastructure, or biodiversity mitigation. The LPA and its consultees in Sussex, Surrey Hampshire and Kent, will also assess the likely effects of the proposed development and will say what mitigation measures they require. The LVIA by Landvision will then include assessment of any likely long term effects of mitigation.

Examples of mitigation schemes for LVIA include habitat creation; wetland creation, including woodland copse planting, hedgerow planting and specimen tree planting. Green infrastructure may include creation of links between woods and species rich wildflower meadows including wildlife ponds.

Mitigation in LVIA in Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and Kent may also include mitigation for the Cultural Heritage and Ecology of a site. This mitigation depends on the baseline studies findings on these subjects. At Landvision, a whole landscape approach is taken to mitigation, with cross over between Cultural Heritage, History, Ecology and Landscape effects and Landscape Visual impacts. If you have any queries about mitigation for your scheme and LVIA in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent, or have any general queries about LVIAs, please contact us via the contact page

How to include Mitigation in LVIAs in Sussex.

Landvision regularly draw up Landscape Master plans, habitat creation and green infrastructure. links.

Biodiversity offsetting including habitat design and management plans, bring biodiversity benefits to offset any anticipated biodiversity loss due to development.

Sometimes this mitigation will be on the development site or this may be on other sites such as Special Areas of Conservation SACs See Biodiversity offsetting, on our Landvision blog.

Certain habitats are impossible to re create or to offset and should not be destroyed. Please seek advice first before beginning any programmes of clearance to your site.

If you have queries about habitat creation by Landvision, please go to our contacts page Please ring Landvision 01892 782200. 

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The new BS; 42020 Biodiversity – Code of Practice for planning and development will help biodiversity offsetting. This is due to the fact that planning, buildings, new developments plus changes in land use, are all included in this new BS 42020 on biodiversity. The BS; Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development looks at how man’s activities impact upon the biodiversity of the landscape, on its ecology, plants and animals.

The new BS provides guidance on how to produce clear and concise ecological information to accompany planning applications. This is, after Phase 1 ecological surveys have taken place. Biodiversity offsetting and habitat design by Landvision are a further part of this work, for compliance with BS;42020 by development projects in East Sussex. Ecology survey work and in depth site knowledge of sites in East Sussex all enable Landvision to produce sustainable habitat designs for resilient landscapes which comply with this new BS;42020; on Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development.

Landscape management for resilient landscapes.

Habitat design for resilient landscapes can be enhanced by landscape management. Tailored to each site’s ecology, plant and animal species, to the network of habitats. Ecology survey work and in depth site knowledge, enables Landvision to produce sustainable habitat designs for resilient landscapes. Habitat design and sustainable landscape advice to BS; 42020 allows developers to offset any impact on biodiversity caused by the proposed developments. Frequently this work is drawn up as part of the biodiversity offsetting in East Sussex, thus involves habitat design of stable, resilient landscapes. Habitat design will produce resilient landscapes in East Sussex. These landscapes will be resistant to pressures, such as flooding and other catastrophic environmental events.

Phase 1 ecological surveys in East Sussex.

Phase 1 ecological surveys in East Sussex are part of the ecology work which Landvision do, as part of landscape planning, in South East England. Biodiversity offsetting involves habitat design and landscape management, with mitigation measures which are informed by the findings of ecological surveys. Habitat design is a part of this offsetting work. Based on sound ecological knowledge of soils and existing conditions, plus species and their needs, Landvision use ecology and landscape character, to inform biodiversity offsetting. Site data collected and in depth understanding of each site, helps to inform tailor made habitat design.

Resilient and bio diverse landscapes.

Designing and managing resilient landscapes through habitat design, sensitive to site ecology, allows Landvision to create sustainable, resilient and bio diverse landscapes. These bio diverse habitats, are vital as they are important in alleviating the effects of climatic change, the related storm events. For example, design and management of planting belts to alleviate the effects of flooding. By design of native tree belts, to help slow down water run off and enable water to percolate into underground aquifers, surface water run off is decreased and rates slowed. So, anti flooding planting design can save lives, aswell as livelihoods, whilst also building ecosystem resilience.

Healthy eco systems, which are bio diverse are also more resilient ecosystems. Landvision habitat design such as that of tree planting areas, can create more attractive landscapes for recreation, such shady areas in Parks and Public Open Spaces, which are also diverse and in keeping with their landscape settings. These habitats can be designed to include ponds, wild flower meadows, woodlands and species rich grassland. Heathland and dunes are also vital in delivering ecosystem services, as stores of biodiversity and as recreational areas.

These will continue to be managed to safeguard the UK’s biodiversity. The sensitive management of these Open Spaces will also enhance and preserve biodiversity of rare and protected species, for future generations to enjoy. These new habitats will be in compliance with BS 42020; Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development. Call Landvision now on 01892 782200 for more details, or go to the Landvision Contact page.

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This new BS:42020 on Biodiversity will provide guidance to support landscape and planning applications and give planning authorities greater confidence in information included in a planning application. Now that the PPS9 Biodiversity and geological Conservation has been superseded by the new National Planning Policy Framework, the BS 42020 on Biodiversity will be required to direct and consolidate decision-making on biodiversity and landscape management.

The ecology reports, habitat design work and landscape management projects in East Sussex by Landvision will adhere to the new BS:42020 on Biodiversity, which stipulates a Code of Practice for landscape planning and development projects.

The ecological survey and assessment  work Landvision undertakes always tries to minimise the effects on the ecology of a site. Along with this minimisation of the effects of a development, the BS42020 seeks to explore opportunities for new developments to provide benefits for wildlife. Something Landvision has always done. Habitat design has been one of our specialisms for many years.

Incorporating biodiversity  management into the separate stages of the planning process saves species as well as saving time and money.

Landvision will advise you on timings for ecological surveys; including Phase 1 ecological surveys and Phase 2 surveys.

Habitat design and landscape management produce sustainable Landscapes in East Sussex. An important part of the new BS will be in its use as a framework BS, to demonstrate how biodiversity has been managed. Once this has been shown, that is, how landscape management for biodiversity will be undertaken, this will be part of the development process, any impact will be then be identified and minimised.

If you need to discuss a project which requires a planning submission which is compliant with BS:42020 them give us a call on 01892 782200 or visit our Contact page.

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Working within the confines of a specific development scheme, landscape architects can be limited in their scope of operation. However, Landvision landscape architects know that through a strong understanding of ecology, the prognosis of their final schemes will be better. They will be working together to produce pragmatic solutions for improving the environment and biodiversity.

Habitat design, Ecological landscape design and landscape management mitigation for South East England in East Sussex.

Landvision habitat design and landscape management in East Sussex aims to redress species loss and biodiversity and habitat loss. Designing habitats to offset the effects of development, Landvision landscape architects, draw on their strong ecological background. They undertake habitat designs which are often specific to a protected species or special habitat. Landvision’s landscape management on each site seeks to offset any biodiversity loss, whether of habitat or of a particular species due to development.

What is Biodiversity Offsetting?

Biodiversity Offsetting can be partly achieved through landscape design with a strong ecological bias, which seeks to deliver biodiversity benefits on one site, to compensate for any loss of biodiversity on another site.

Case studies.

For example, Landvision have recently designed ecological habitats through landscape plans, habitat creation and landscape management work. Landscape management and landscape design plans with a strong ecological bias, have been recently created for new residential and commercial developments, including mining. So, for example, landscapes have been restored after mining activity; the habitats created will include heathland, woodland and grassland adjoining wetland. The species present on site are safeguarded and encouraged using specific landscape management drawn up for their protection in the landscape management plan.

Habitat plans by Landvision are also frequently drawn up as part of the ecology recommendations and landscape design remit.

Woodland management is specified in Woodland Management Plans; in order to maximize biodiversity gains.

If these plans are carried out then biodiversity gains will be made and the developments will have been truly sustainable. Landscape conditions and section 106 agreements will have been discharged successfully.

Breeam ecology, plus habitat designs and landscape design of mitigation schemes.

Breeam ecology reports by Landvision and management plans are a vital part of biodiversity offsetting by developers. Mitigation design; habitats specific to certain protected species. Their management is an ecological and landscape specialism which Landvision offers to clients such as builders, developers, local authorities and private estates managers in the south east. Landscape plans and garden design by Landvision can also incorporate habitat creation through tree and wildflower grassland creation and landscape management for ecology.

Conservation credits.

Credits for conservation can be bought by the developer, improving other sites in a way that achieves a biodiversity gain elsewhere. These conservation credits are useful where it is recognized that a site may have only limited chances for biodiversity offsetting due perhaps to its size, or the density of a proposed development on a restricted site this is  where ecological landscape design can help .

Climate change and Biodiversity offsetting.

It is important to use landscape architects like Landvision, who have a deep ecological understanding. Habitat design and landscape management work can help to combat the side effects of agricultural intensification and development. The latter have led to some of the most dramatic loss of habitats since the 1960s. As population distribution patterns change, with economic migration; movement of the jet stream and other global factors such as changing wind patterns and changing ocean currents, habitat landscape design and ecology are vital fields.

Recent research shows that the geographic ranges of plants and animals could be reduced by climate change. A study, in Nature on Climatic Change, has found that more than half of plants and more than a third of animals could lose half of their climatic range by 2080 if the current greenhouse emissions are not reduced. The role of Landvision and its landscape architects, with a strong ecological design ethos has never been more important than it is now; to stem the loss of our common species.

Effective ecological design, biodiversity offsetting and habitat mitigation projects in East Sussex, are now even more important. In Making Space for Nature, John Lawton indicates that we need to place design of landscapes within the wider ecology that they are connected to and thus, within a wider landscape context. Landvision landscape design and landscape management, link green space and ecology, so that habitats are less isolated and species are less threatened. This is done through creating a network of ecologically stable areas.

Retaining biodiversity.

The economic value of biodiversity services has recently been placed on the political agenda too. This work does require continuing commitment to environment and investment in the creation and management of natural habitats in East Sussex. Nature has a cost, but ignoring nature has a greater price. Flooding and other climate change effects such as landslides, soil erosion, pollution of water courses, low agricultural yields, and increasing storm events’ frequencies are all prices which we may have to pay if we ignore the needs to safeguard our landscapes, our biodiversity and to slow down climate change. For more details on Landvision landscape ecology, landscape design and landscape management, with specialist habitat design and landscape management in East Sussex, go to contact page and ring our landscape architects now on 01892 782200.

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This is the second article on Butterflies Ecology, the first can be found here

Ecology and Landscape design for creating habitat for Butterflies.

Butterflies ecology and what to do to help stem the trend of decline in butterflies, such as Small Tortoiseshells?There are a number of general habitat needs of butterflies.

 By providing for these, butterflies can be conserved and encouraged.

 The caterpillar stages require the correct food plants.

 The adults require suitable plants for nectar.

 Provide warm, sunny sheltered spots, preferably with a south facing aspect. Butterflies need this habitat to raise their body temperatures.

 Trees, hedgerows and shrubs are needed for shelter too, as well as for food plants, but must be managed to still maintain open areas of ground for butterflies nearby.

Butterflies need a variety of different habitats depending on species;

 Your landscape design for butterflies should include some of the following habitats.

 Woodland edge habitat – perhaps you could get a grant for creating the right ecology

 Wild flower meadow and tall grassland habitat.

 Marshy, marginal habitats.

 Scrub areas.

Habitat diversity and structural diversity.

 Management should allow different vegetation heights will give insects different habitats to shelter and feed in. This will encourage plant species to mature, such as Hedge Garlic for the Orange Tip butterfly to lay its eggs on.

 Diverse native hedgerows and copses will encourage a variety of different butterflies.

 South facing slopes, valley bottoms and lowland areas are favoured. If the site is quite exposed, adding planting and a shelter belt/hedge will help.

 Management of habitats needs to be carefully controlled; ideally, a maintenance plan or programme will help to coordinate activities.

 If an area has a good colony of butterflies or has a rare species, be careful how you change any management of the site or the character of the site.

 A single mature Oak tree can support a colony of the Purple Hairstreak; most occur in woods.

Different habitats of butterflies.

 Woodland butterflies;

•  Purple Hairstreak – feed on oak and spend most of their time on the mature 0ak tree canopy.
•  Black Hairstreak – feed on old blackthorn thickets.
•  White Admiral – need mature growth of old coppice woodland and Honeysuckle. Decline of coppicing helps this species of butterfly, so management for these butterflies needs to be carefully monitored.

 Caterpillars of the Fritillaries depend on herbs, in particular Common Dog Violet, which grow after coppicing in woods, so restoring woods to coppice helps the following species;

•  Pearl bordered Fritillary.
•  Small pearl bordered Fritillary.
•  Silver washed Fritillary.

 Whilst grassland butterflies include;

•  Brown butterflies which feed on grasses in woodland rides and other grassy places.
•  Damp grassland rides – favour the Ringlet.
•  Sunny open rides – favour the Meadow Brown.
•  Wood white – feeds on legumes and needs 30% shade.
•  Some Skippers also use woodland rides as habitat.
• The Blues favour more open grassland habitats with their food plants (see Butterflies 3.)

 Other Habitat

Hedgerows support Gatekeeper and Orange Tip.

Hedgerows near woods support Brown Hairstreak.

Management – this depends on the type of flora, but generally, it is best to cut each ride in alternate years, this will allow plants to grow up and mature as different butterfly food plants.

 So, all butterflies have specific niches and creating a variety of habitats is ideal for attracting butterflies. To discuss creating habitats for butterflies, go to Contact page

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For a landscape design to encourage butterflies ring 01892 782200

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