Welcome to our gallery. This illustrates a broad selection of projects we have undertaken. Please click on an image to find out more.
Welcome to our gallery. This illustrates a broad selection of projects we have undertaken. Please click on an image to find out more.
1. Beorma Quarter-Digbeth, Birmingham
Architects: Broadway Malyan
Contractors: Midgard/JRL
Scope of work:
Working closely with project managers Gleeds, LBD carried out a high level review and reworking of this previously masterplanned public realm and roof garden scheme. LBD co-ordinated the new further detailed scheme from planning approval to tender stage. After almost a decade, the scheme is now on site and LBD have been retained by contractors Midgard to support the design team through the construction phase of the 30 storey tower and associated works.
2. Coventry University Courtyard
LBD were selected after completing other small works at Coventry University Tech Park.
Scope of work:
Concept design, brief costing, detailed drawings, tender and contract admin to completion. Works comprised of minor demolition of surfacing, steps, kerbs, lighting etc., to improve student circulation. The existing trig point was retained and enhanced with inlaid compass points.
3. ACMC Afro-Caribbean Millennium Centre-Birmingham
FM Radio Station with landscaped courtyard to rear
Architects: D5
Scope of work:
Full landscape design, bill of quantities, tender, contract management.
4. Market Square-Burton upon-Trent
Due to extensive underground services, large planters, bollards, seating, cycle stands were used. The hardwood and Corten steel provided a contemporary yet sympathetic palette against the Victorian red brick and stone market hall.
Scope of work:
Full landscape design, bill of quantities, tender and contract management.
5. Competition-Kings Heath Village Square
LBD were runners up in the selection process at interview stage.
Scope of work:
Concept design, brief costing, interview and presentation.
The masterplan shows extensive use of granite paving and water features.
Extensive use of fountains to create a new urban plaza space with lighting to extend hours of use and informal play opportunities.
Bespoke lettering and seating is designed to reflect the history of the earliest settlers to this part of Birmingham.
The existing trig point was retained as a feature with inlaid stainless steel set into granite paving slabs.
Compass points were added to the trig base to create a focal/meeting point.
The trees provide subtle movement in the breeze against the solidity of the granite cubes.
Hard landscape dominates the rear courtyard to reduce maintenance
A dramatic piece of sculpture by Japanese scupltor Hideo Furuta
Level access from the courtyard to the car park
The position and angle of the cubes was based on mathematical calculations giving the sculpture drama and tension.
Large black terrazzo/resin planters with irrigation systems to frame the main entrance of the newly restored Market Hall.
Specimen Amelanchier's used in large hardwood and corten steel planters with integral irrigation systems.
A bespoke bronze tree grille was refurbished and modified and a new resin gravel surround and seating designed to complement the adjacent Market Hall refurbishment.
Advanced tree pruning by the contractor under instruction from LBD prior to delivery to site.
Specialist street furniture in hardwood and corten steel. Tree seating and bike stands are shown here.
Paving was lifted, cleaned and re-used together with an aluminium edging.
The design focused on removing level changes and creating one space.
An early sketch of the design at conception stage. Pleached trees were to be used together with: bespoke railings, paving, sculpture and lighting to evoke a more European feel.
1. Temple Point-Birmingham
Architects: Corstorphine and Wright
Scope of work:
Working closely with the Architects who had planned out the roof garden, LBD carried out a detailed planting scheme with associated Mona irrigation tank drawing.
2. Waterway House-Nottingham
Architects: BDP Birmingham
Client: Rainier Developments Ltd
Scope of Work:
LBD worked closely with the client and Architects to present a high level vision for the public open space around the building as well as designs for several roof terraces. 191 apartments.
3. Willen House, 8-26 Bath Rd-London
Architects: TP Bennett
Project Managers: Gleeds
Client: Infrastructure Investments Ltd
Scope of work:
LBD worked on the external basement gardens and roof garden designs throughout to completion of stage 4. (Under construction).
4. Upper Gough Street-Birmingham
Architects: Corstorphine and Wright
Client: Rainier Developments Ltd
Scope of work:
LBD carried out detailed designs for planning of roof garden areas x 2 and public realm/resident courtyard areas x 2. 111 apartments over 4-7 storeys.
5. 11 Arches House-Rugby
Architects: HB Architects
Scope of work:
LBD worked on the external layout and painting plan for this now HQ building for ECL contractors Ltd .
The finished roof garden
Sections through main roof terrace
Basement courtyard design
External landscape plan
Planting plan for new office HQ.
Various schemes throughout the United Kingdom
Clients include:
Rainier Developments, NSG Developments, Salhia Developments, Cinnamon Care Collection, City Living (Midlands) LtdTaylor Wimpey, Accord Housing Group, Optima Housing, Persimmon Homes, Parker-Lake Homes, Deeley Homes, Mar City Homes etc.
Scope of work:
LBD carry out full landscape design for domestic scale, student and commercial high-rise developments including: planting plans, tree surveys, soil surveys (external consultant), phase-one habitat surveys (external ecologist consultant), Japanese knotweed walkovers, planning drawings, masterplanning, tender and contract management etc.
Other projects completed:
-Beorma Ph 2 Apartments-Digbeth (Under construction-Broadway Malyan Architects)
-Waterway House-Nottingham (BDP Architects-Birmingham)
-Gulson Road Apartments-Coventry Corstorphine and Wright Architects)
-Queen Victoria Rd Apartments-Coventry Corstorphine and Wright Architects)
-Liversage St Student Accomodation-Derby (Corstorphine and Wright Architects)
-Bounty House Student Accommodation-Greenwich
-Willen House Student Accommodation-London (TP Bennet Architects)
-BT Exchange Apartments-Solihull (BPN Architects)
-Lode Lane-Solihull (BPN Architects)
-Gough Street Apartments-Birmingham (D5 Architects)
-Prior Farm, Leonard Stanley-Deeley Homes
-Augusta Rd-Moseley
-Water Orton-Minworth
-Stourvale Steel works Site, Kidderminster-Westbury Homes (various other sites)
-Clifftonville, Northampton-Wimpey Homes (various other sites)
-Dunchurch-Parker Lake Homes (Various other sites-HB Architects)
-Tower Road, Worcester-Laing Homes (Various other sites)
-Admaston, Telford-Persimmon Homes (Various other sites)
Phase One. Simple soft landscaping was adopted together with sympathetic hard landscaping and street furniture.
White render and red brick contrast with the landscape elements.
(Photographs courtesy of Accord Housing Group)
Public open spaces were an important part of the early design stages. LBD was responsible for all hard and soft landscape detailing.
Landscape By Design carried out the landscape masterplan which included all hard landscape and street furniture specification.
Concept sketch for inner courtyard
LBD work with Ecologists to ensure phase 1 habitat and protected species surveys are completed if requested by the client.
A carefully positioned and framed artists sketch can provide a useful insight for clients, designers and planning authorities.
Sketch proposals which led to a detailed design for a mixed residential scheme on a former lock and key factory site.
LBD designed all hard and soft landscape areas on this former lock & key factory site in the Midlands.
Simple plans for planning, tender and site use.
LBD designed the junctions between the public highway and internal access.
View of simple landscape treatment to adopted site entrance road.
Simple low hedge and landscape planting. LBD also completed the hard landscape detailing.
Section/Elevation
Concept sketch for bespoke fencing, car park screening interior green wall.
Concept sketches illustrating enhancement of public realm and roof gardens to improve biodiversity net gain.
1. Hooten Park-Bio Power Centre
Scope:
LBD were only involved in the early masterplan stages of this complex long running energy from waste facility. We understand works have progressed on site with a Scandinavian contractor.
2. Swallow Business Park-Coventry
Scope:
LBD have worked on numerous midland based industrial new build schemes with Deeley Properties Ltd. LBD assisted with landscape layouts, tree surveys and planting schemes for detailed planning approval.
3. Halesfield Point-Telford
Scope:
LBD worked alongside the developer DW Wilson Property Group to create a landscape scheme that satisfied the Council’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements. The scheme is on site under construction.
Other projects completed:
-Fire Station-Evesham
-Perkins Engines Manufacturing Facility-Stafford
-Reliable Springs Manufacturing Facility-Tipton
-Holbrook Lane Industrial units-Coventry
-Leofric Business Park-Coventry
-South Warwickshire Business Park-Southam
-Kineton Road Industrial Estate-Southam
Numerous industrial estates around Cannock for Cannock Council
This early concept scheme included balancing ponds and wetlands as well as native wild flower meadows and native hedge and tree planting.
Planting plan
Planting plan
1 Asda Westbrook Superstore-Warrington
Architects: G1
Scope of work:
Landscape By Design was commissioned to produce planting plans and advice on existing trees for this large scale remodelling of the extensive external car park areas and proposed PFS. LBD attended progress meetings throughout the build phase and worked closely with Asda, G1 Architects, engineers and contractors.
2 Tesco Superstore in Hednesford-Staffordshire
(see images 7-13)
Client: St Modwen Developments Limited
Scope of work:
Landscape By Design worked closely with Cannock Council due to the proximity of the site to the town park. LBD completed planting design for the large Tesco store and detailed design of the new park railings, piers and gates and additional planting to the park boundary.
3 Decathlon Store-M6 Wednesbury
Scope of work:
LBD worked with the client to lay out parking, planting details and external recreation areas.
Other projects completed:
-Asda-Torryglen
-Asda-Adel, Leeds
-Asda-Todmorden
-Asda-Bootle
-Asda-Coventry
-Netto-Bradford
-Netto-Birmingham
-Netto-Fowden, Newcastle
-Netto-Gorton
-Netto-Northampton
-Netto-Manchester
-Netto-Birkenhead
-Retail Park, Normanton Road -Derby
-McDonald’s-Tavistock
-Vauxhall Dealership-Banbury
-BMW-Ryedale, Warwickshire
-Peugot Dealership-Stratford-upon-Avon
-Available Car Dealership-Donnington
Signage by others was incorporated into the planted areas.
The site had limited planting to the car park to maximise the number of parking spaces and so planting was concentrated in island beds where possible.
Specimen boulders were repeated throughout to add a sense of security and permanance to the scheme.
Illuminated signage in the form of large totums-complimented by feautre rocks and planting.
Varied planting including grasses is used to give a more varied landscape setting than the previous scheme of large trimmed evergreens. Sightlines have been improved and interest is provided throughout the seasons.
New petrol filling station to entrance of Westbrook retail park. This part of the build was run concurrantly with specialist contractors. The same landscape contractors were utilised for both the general car park refurbuishment and PFS contracts.
Varieties of birch were used to punctuate the evergreen planting and limit screening to the retail frontage.
Simple beds were detailed with a mixture of Cornus (Dogwood), evergreen ground cover and hardy herbaceous species.
The site had limited planting to the car park to maximise the number of parking spaces.
Landscape design was incorporated into the Architects general site design to provide a balance between hard and soft landscaped areas.
Boundary planting was largely evergreen and low growing with some hornbeam hedging.
Planting plan
LBD worked closely with Cannock Chase District Council on the boundary details for the park adjoining the Tesco development. LBD produced CAD details for brick piers, gates and railings togther with a planting scheme for the adjacent bank. The park itself was refurbished by CCDC via heritage lottery funding.
Planting plan for external surroundings to building
Projects have included:
1. Moseley Rugby Club
Scope of work:
Masterplan for planning
2. Birmingham Rowing Club
Scope of work:
Masterplan for planning (included management of topographical survey and Phase 1 Ecology survey)
3. Telford United Football Club
Scope of work:
Masterplan (car park and small public realm area)
4. Coventry University Sports Centre
Scope of Work
Landscape/planting design
5. The Compleat Angler Hotel-Marlowe
Scope of work:
Masterplan
6. Chase Leisure Centre-Cannock
Scope of work:
LBD assisted Cannock Chase Council with landscape making good works-no image
7. Kingsbarn Golf Centre-St Andrews, Fife
Scope of work:
LBD assisted G1 Architects with tree protection advice & drawings. (not illustrated)
The site is of a restrictive size and is part of the wider communities Edgbaston reservoir community facility.
3. TELFORD UNITED STADIUM
Hotel Masterplan
1. Stratford-upon-Avon College
Architects: Associated Architects
Project Managers: MGAC
Contractors: O’Brien Contractors
Scope of work:
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, LBD provided drawings and specification material for feasibility, planning, tender and construction stages for this £1 million+ landscape project. Associated Architects and MGAC were involved in managing the demolition and refurbishment works which created a significant landscape space in the centre of the college. This new meeting place offers spaces for socialising, sports activities, relaxing shade canopies and seating together with native tree and hedge planting, wild flower meadows, rain gardens and a zen garden. Site monitoring visits were made through the construction period which completed in Autumn 2023.
Drone photos courtesy of O’Brien Contractors Ltd
2. Coventry University
Scope of work:
LBD won a competition to redesign an area of redundant ponds and pumping equipment together with tendering and management of the contract to completion on site. The project was praised by visitors and staff and was completed in 2015. The budget was extremely limiting and tight and yet the varied planting, paving and seating created a much more pleasant outdoor area for the users of the conference facility. LBD were subsequently employed to provide a similar service design and contract manage a second scheme to refurbish a paved student courtyard. An old concrete trig point was retained as a focal point and new corten street furniture and resin bound gravel surfacing was introduced to refresh this important breakout space.
3. School PFI Projects
Scope of work:
Contractors: BAM
LBD worked for Landscape Architects FIRA to produce concept designs and outline masterplans for Crown Meadow First School in Alvechurch and the South Bromsgrove High School as part of a large PFI bid which aided BAM being awarded the contracts. Our final sketch (see gallery) illustrates our design which was used for the final scheme. The children's book The Hungry Caterpillar, formed the basis of the design and has been adopted by the school.
4. Various Schools and Colleges
Scope of work included:
Full masterplan, sketch design, detailed design, bill of quantities, tender, contract administration, workshops in school, planting with small groups and teaching staff etc. We can also design and commission works and sculptors or makers and oversee installation of any work produced.
Other schools include:
-Windale Primary School-Cowley
-Burman Infants School-Solihull
-Alderman’s Green Primary School-Coventry
-Kings Heath Primary School-Birmingham
Geometric path lines link various parts of the college where former classrooms once stood. Amenity grass and wild flower grasslands with occasional native trees help to soften the built forms and improve biodiversity.
Transformation of an old leaking pond by means of strategic design, planning, costing and delivery of this small external landscape refurbishment project. Simple seating areas and planting replaced the old concrete lined pond and large feeder tank.
The design for the landscape masterplan was praised during the selection process. Landscape By Design's principal John Cutts worked with Architects from Feilden Clegg Bradley under instruction from Landscape Architects FIRA.
A video diary was kept by the school of all the events relating to the sculpture and the adjacent open space refurbishment.
Opportunities exist to incorporate edible planting into school landscapes.
John Cutts of LBD has worked with various schools on projects ranging from school gardens and wildlife areas to more bespoke sculptural pieces.
Here pupils are engaged in the development of ideas through form and positioning in the landscape. All work was implemented and supervised by the teaching staff at Roman Way Primary School.
Here you can see how the idea was first developed in clay by the sculptor to give a fairly accurate representation of the final piece.
Various chisel types were used to create a variety of rough and fine picked textures.
Adjacent to the school was a neglected and overgrown green space that was under utilised. Working closely with Redditch Borough Council, LBD designed and managed the removal of vegetation and designed a new bridge and footways. The sculpture was placed both at the school entrance and in the park.
Over a period of days, the figures were hewn from the rough stone until a contrast of form and texture was realised.
Hospitals, medical centre and supported living etc.
1. Women's Hospital -Birmingham (Competition)
2. Queen Elizabeth Oncology Unit-Birmingham (Detailed design)
3. Queen’s Hospital-Burton-upon-Trent (Feasibility study)
4. Medical Centre-Rugby (Detailed design)
5. Sandy Hill Court-Solihull (Detailed design for care home)
Scope of work:
Full landscape design, 3D fly through, bill of quantities, tender, contract administration, feasibility.
Bespoke work:
The roof garden (2 above), was completed at the QE with internationally acclaimed resident sculptor Richard Harris.
Artist's impression of LBD's design for a newly refurbished car park and public area.
This image shows the relocated sculpture into the soft verge.
A simple section illustrating pleached trees and bespoke illuminated signage elements etc.
This is a simple 3D flythrough movie which gives the client an overview of the entire scheme.
Grassy planting was used to frame these bespoke galvanised surrounds to roof lights to retain the special lightweight soil mix.
The masterplan highlighted potential for tree and shrub planting as well as native hedgerows, meadow grassland and wild flowers areas etc.
The rear garden was landscaped to create a simple route for a brief stroll and includes spaces for casual seating. The planted borders which include some herbaceous planting, help to facilitate these periods of respite.
Sandy Hill offers supported living accommodation for young adults with learning difficulties. Low level planting, dwarf walls, railings and paving were utilised to enhance the boundary and create a secure environment.
1. Magistrates Court-Chesterfield
Main Contractor: HBG/BAM
Architect: Online Architects
Scope of work:
Full landscape design including detailed design of all hard and soft landscaped areas around the building.
2. Magistrates Court-Derby
Scope of work:
Full landscape design including bill of quantities and detailed design of all hard and soft landscaped areas around the building. LBD worked closeley with Derby City Council but unfortunately the designed scheme was adjusted by the contractor. (Not illustrated).
3. Magistrates Court-New Mills in Derbyshire
Scope of work:
Feasibility and sketch design studies. (Not illustrated).
Hard landscape approach to main entrance.
Due to the dramatic change in level, materials were used to break up the mass of the building. Perimeter tree planting was positioned to soften the impact of the structure.
Contrasting low growing ground cover planting was used against the reconstituted stone backdrop.
CAD drawings of all hard landscape areas and elements were detailed by LBD.
Walls, railings and steps were detailed with the Architects to satisfy level changes and contractors HBG.
Narrow tree species were utilised where appropriate to contrast with the horizontal banding to the building and limit the amount of shade to underplanting.
Large glazing panels provide reflective surfaces that will reflect the trees foliage as they mature.
Stepping of the building facade allowed for landscaped areas and routeways to meander around the building on various levels.
Himalayan silver birch trees were specified due to their relatively light canopy and year round interest.
A mix of evergreen ground cover planting and deciduous trees provides interest throughout the seasons.
Fire escape points were incorporated to the perimeter of the building with landings leading to steps.
Co-ordinated street furniture was specified around the new building in a silver finish.
Client: East Staffordshire Borough Council
1. Wellington Road in Burton-upon-Trent
Semi-mature tree planting was implemented here to improve this important gateway into Burton.
Scope of work:
Full landscape design, bill of quantities, tender and contract administration.
Completed in 2013, this project included advanced tree selection and tagging of semi-mature Lime trees, full contract administration and a 3 year maintenance & watering programme.
2. A38 Derby Road in Burton-upon-Trent
Scope of work:
Masterplan and draft costing.
Illustrated schemes throughout the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Staffordshire etc.
1. Arrow Valley Country Park-Worcestershire
2. Brockhill Park-Worcestershire
3. The Washlands-Staffordshire
4. Bramshall Park-Staffordshire
5. Branston Water Park-Staffordshire
6. Newton Road Park-Staffordshire
7. Hednesford Park-Staffordshire
8. Hamworthy Park-Poole
9. Ravenhill Park-Staffordshire
10. Sanders Park-Bromsgrove
11. Oakenshawe Spinney-Staffordshire
12. Brook Hollows-Rollaston, Staffordshire
Scope of work:
Full landscape design, masterplanning, landscape details, planting plans, bill of quantities, tender & contract administration etc.
Bespoke work:
Sculpture, decking, curved walling, decorative railing design and gates, signage, lighting, bridge design, multi-use games areas, cycleways and play areas etc.
Other parks completed:
-Kings Heath Park-Community Garden Competition, Birmingham
-The Nook-Nature Reserve, Nuneaton
-St Anne’s Wells-Malvern (Competition)
-Cotteridge Park-Community Garden, Birmingham
-Newlands Caravan Park-Warwick
-Wheatley Lane Country Park-Winshill, Burton
-Overdale Park-Astwood Bank, Redditch
-Allotments-Wynyates, Redditch
-Hartlebury Castle-Worcestershire (Feasibility study)
-Weeford Lane Farm-Sutton Coldfield
-Cemetary-Cannock
-Forge Mills Abbey-Redditch (Habitat survey)
Minor tree species and scrub were removed to create a Silver Birch woodland setting.
Blue brick and reconstituted stone were detailed to create a robust sitting wall.
Plant species were introduced to provide year round interest to what was previously an overgrown shaded area of scrub.
LBD detailed and worked with specialist makers to create this artistic educational resource.
LBD designed and worked with specialist makers to produce this unique detail that surrounds a way-marking post.
LBD designed this hardwood timber viewing area flush with the main routeway to cater for all users.
The clearance of dense scrub allowed existing tree planting to be revealed providing a more useable and secure parkland setting.
Sited adjacent to a road, the MUGA area was colour-coded to limit its impact on the park setting.
LBD's masterplan included all street furniture elements, bridges and a dual pedestrian/cycleway that was raised above the floodplain level.
A large number of deciduous native trees were planted to provide a rich landscape setting for the new perimeter housing areas developed by Persimmon Homes.
Separate ponds were created for both casual fishing and wildlife.
LBD produced this scheme for East Staffordshire Borough Council to bid for lottery funding.
LBD designed and worked with specialist makers for this project to enhance the visitors' arrival experience and improve circulation patterns.
LBD produced outline sketches and a masterplan to further aid consultation work for this large public open space in Poole in Dorset.
Masterplan
LBD designed a new car park to provide a natural setting with parking that drained into a central island SUDS feature.
A former tarmac play area was trasformed into a pleasant green space with a circular footpath and tree planting etc.
LBD worked with Cannock Chase District Council to establish how the existing park was functioning in terms of problems and opportunities for improvement.
Brereton Millions community group comissioned LBD to provide a masterplan to enable them to plan future phases.
LBD undertook a masterplan for the Rotary club who funded the project. A new sensory garden design was based on the Rotary Club’s logo and included a water rill and box hedging etc.
Masterplan
Masterplan
Schemes throughout the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Staffordshire
1. Oakenshawe Spinney-Worcestershire
Scope of work:
Full design, community consultation and tender/contract management. The scheme tackled an overgrown woodland, creating new ponds as well as refurbishing the existing woodland and water bodies, footpaths and bridges etc. Sustainable drainage and attenuation of increasing run-off and rainfall requires periodic silt removal to maintain function and appearance. Ditches, ponds and streams can also suffer from erosion in periods of heavy rainfall and flooding which often require further erosion control measures.
2. Bluebell Drive-Nuneaton
Scope of work:
A former mineral rail sidings was reclaimed and designed as a community park with a large balancing pond. LBD carried out full landscape design, bill of quantities, tender and contract administration for Persimmon Homes. The scheme was awarded an environmental award in 2004 by Nuneaton and Bedworth Council.
3. Butlins Holiday Park-Minehead
Scope of work:
Landscape By Design produced detailed CAD plans and sections to illustrate the proposals for the lake and lakeside. Construction detailing and costings were then produced by others. Specialist water engineering contractor Landmarc engaged LBD to design and detail this work based on draft plans produced by the main development team.
4. Branston Water Park-Burton-upon-Trent
Scope of work:
Masterplan, detailed design and contract management.
5. River Revetment Works-Sedgley, Dudley
Scope of work:
LBD worked closely with a large quarry to source stone for a small tributary water course adjacent the school boundary that was eroding a high bank away. Detailed sections and plans were drawn up to allow Dudley Council to tender the works, (not illustrated).
Several hundred tonnes of silt were removed from this site.
After draining down the ponds, machinery was utilised to great effect to remove a decade of silt deposits.
Once silt was removed, the vegetation was allowed to regenerate naturally in many areas.
LBD designed this revetment style low retainer which was constructed from reclaimed hardwood.
Woodland clearance and cleaning of the waterways etc. improved the biodiversity and encouraged families to use the area again.
Pre-planted coir rolls were utilised using native species to retain bank edges and the island edge that was reduced in size.
Working with Engineers, Persimmon Homes and Nuneaton and Bedworth District Council, LBD transformed this old mineral rail sidings into a wonderful park.
The character of the surrounding parkland was designed around the lake as its focal point.
The park has been well maintained by the Council, resulting in a valuable resource for the local community.
The park received an award at a presentation ceremony in 2004. LBD share this recognition with its partners Persimmon Homes and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.
LBD worked up CAD drawings, levels, planting plans and sections to illustrate the new lake centrepiece (2 lakes). Works are now complete on site.
Circulation of the water was important to prevent stagnant water.
Natural species rich grassland and water plants were specified by the Ecologist.
Structural elements (by others) and waterproofing were considered as part of the lake proposals.
Play Areas in Worcestershire and Staffordshire
1. Carver Road-Burton
2. Davies Drive-Uttoxeter
3. Laburnum Avenue-Cannock (design only)
Scope:
Full landscape design, bill of quantities, tender and contract administration.
Bespoke work:
Community orchard, wild flower meadows, edible planting, fitness equipment, semi-mature tree planting, toddler and a teen play area in a natural setting.
LBD utilised timber play equipment for this natural play area.
A large amount of tarmac and cut and fill was undertaken. Mounding was utilised to contain materials on site to avoid landfill.
Preformed tiles were pinned down allowing grass to grow through to create a more natural play environment.
A natural stream bed and bridge crossing under construction.
Grass quickly starts to establish through the matting.
Nearing completion, the grass coverage is almost complete.
Fruit trees were planted as heavy standards and protected with a fenced surround.
Large trees were brought into this site to create an instant impact and to help to foster community pride.
Local residents were on hand to assist the contractors under instruction from John Cutts of LBD.
Basic and robust materials were utilised to give the area an opportunity to overcome minor vandalism etc.
A small timber fitness trail was installed through the semi-naturalistic planting.
Birch and pine trees were used to provide year round interest.
The border was planted up using herbs and herbaceous planting together with some edible plants.
This play park area design involved large scale earth moving to create mounds and reduced dig to screen the proposed mulit-use games area. Tree planting was also incorporated to create a more naturalistic setting.
Peace Woodland in Winshill-Burton-upon-Trent
Client: Winshill Parish Council
Scope of work:
Full landscape design, bill of quantities, tender and contract administration.
Awards:
The scheme celebrated the life of William Harold Coltman VC, DCM & Bar, MM & Bar, the most celebrated non combat soldier of world war one. The project gained special recognition in 2014 from Britain in Bloom and was given a discretionary award (see below):
Heart of England in Bloom Community Achievement Award Sponsored by Crystal Image The Coltman VC Memorial Peace Wood – Winshill in Bloom. This project, which commemorates the bravery of William Coltman VC, has transformed an area of open space into woodland which includes 94 silver birch trees – one for each of the Winshill men who died in World War 1. It also contains a meadow area with poppies that were planted by volunteers together with…
-interpretation boards containing information on William Coltman (a stretcher bearer who never fired a shot but is the most decorated NCO of the Great War)
-the roll of honour featuring the names of the 94 men who were killed in action.
The site also has containers planted with roses provided by residents to remember their relatives.
Poppies were seeded by the parish to give a display in this 100 year anniversary year.
94 young feathered Silver Birch trees were planted to commemorate fallen soldiers from the parish.
A simple meandering mown grass path takes you past several information panels.
Trees of established sizes were planted to give an instant impact and the scheme was designed and completed in a very short timescale.
Several hundred people attended the opening ceremony.
As the designer of the scheme, it was a privilege to lay the final wreath and meet the living relatives of William Coltman V.C.
Local school children sang and planted white crosses in the ground where they stood.
The Staffordshire Regiment was represented by its mascot Bull Terrier, a tradition dating back to the 19th century.
A sketch image was produced to illustrate the general character of the proposed woodland.
Plans to illustrate potential woodland areas.
Landscape surveying is an important early feasibility stage requirement for clients to assess the viability of a site and likely planning conditions and restrictions. Design team concepts also flow more efficiently once these potential constraints to development are identified, embraced and mitigated.
Landscape By Design can co-ordinate some or all of these services where required using trusted consultants to satisfy planning conditions or in advance to inform the clients decision making process.
Tree surveys: The presence of existing trees usually requires a survey to BS 5837:2012 and early intervention can avoid costly suprises for the client. Subsequent method statements and tree protection measures can be detailed as necessary.
Phase 1 and protected species surveys: Protected species such as great crested newts, bats and badgers can be identified and mitigated against together with invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed. Site monitoring by consultants in the field can be also provided to meet current legislation guidelines and project milestones. Habitat management plans can also be drawn up to support the 30 year maintenance requirements for BNG where required.
Biodiversity Net Gain: The 2021/Feb 2024 and April 2024 Acts requires a 10% gain in biodiversity for all new planning applications-the latter being a simplified small sites BNG. LBD have experience engaging with Ecologists to work through options to limit the cost to developers whilst enhancing the site. Buying units is always a last resort and where possible the site should be considered at an early stage for biodiversity opportunities to meet planning conditions.
SUDS-Sustainable urban drainage: As above, LBD can play a key role in identifying SUDS opportunities alongside the project engineers to assist them in designing their drainage strategy.
Topographical surveys: Although usually commissioned by the Architect, LBD can also direct appropriate surveys on behalf of the client. Early intervention using clearly defined site data, can assist in the accurate flow of information thereafter.
Tree surveys can be undertaken to BS 5837: 2012 for planning condition/approvals etc. Tree protection and methods for overcoming conflicts can be looked at following the initial survey. Tree work can be tendered to ensure works are carried out by a suitable contractor. A topographical survey usually precedes a tree survey.
Most projects have some form of existing habitat which can take many forms. A general walkover study can highlight these potentially conflicting factors early in the design/feasibility process to avoid costly delays and expense to the client at a later stage. Local records are searched and a simple preliminary report produced with recommendations for any further survey work required. Further detailed studies and mitigating proposals are bespoke to each site where identified.
Topographical surveys are the baseline for any development in the built or landscape environment. They provide accurate level and global positioning information in relation to a site and its context. Trees and landscape features are treated with the same priority afforded to buildings, utilities and Council controlled highway and boundary features.
Architects John C. Goom, were about to start work on restoration of the ruins of this historically important abbey when LBD were asked to produce a preliminary Phase 1 habitat study of the site. This was completed by our consultant Ecologist and the Architects were made aware of the presence of badgers on the site. Appropriate mitigation measures were agreed between the interested parties and Natural England.
Landscape By Design’s client list includes private companies, developers, contractors, consultants and local government etc. A cross section of LBD’s clients are shown here for reference.
LBD are members of the Landscape Institute and were former members of the Society Of Garden Designers. Whilst we work on larger projects, we also welcome the challenge of domestic garden designs of all sizes. These often present a wide variety of problems and opportunities in terms of scale, style and planting character. We aim to be flexible and responsive to the homeowners aspirations rather than imposing a design on them. We also try and work with existing landscape features and trees where possible to achieve a sense of place rather than something more generic.
The projects illustrated are generally situated around the Midlands and vary in scale from small terraced house gardens to larger suburban and rural plots of varying scale. LBD has also designed numerous courtyard spaces for commercial and public sector projects, show gardens for housing developers and pub gardens.
Often rising costs can result in client changes which if not designed in, can affect the overall design. We prefer to work closely with contractors where possible to ensure the designs are fully accommodated and changes are incorporated sensitively into the design. Usually a site visit is made once a commission is secured followed by a hand drawn concept design. This is then discussed with the client to allow for any changes or additions. A detailed CAD plan is then produced to enable accurate measuring by a garden contractor. Additional specialist drawings such as planting plans can also be provided as an additional service. LBD offer project management to assist those clients who want guidance through the build process. This service is either offered as a lump sum or as part of a percentage of the total project cost for a full design and project management service.
