Ecological Landscape Design
As specialists in ecological landscape design & consultancy, Lost Habitat consider many variables within the design process, and the impacts implementation of works can have on ecology of the land. Dedicated to ensuring the ecological functions of land and the needs of people and wildlife all benefit, our projects focus on replicating many natural functions of local ecosystems, designing for sustainability, enjoyment, and wellbeing.
Initial Site Consultation
An initial site consultation is the first step, and a great opportunity of exploring the potential, discussing your visions, and exceeding expectations. Every site is unique, as are clients’ visions, thus we offer bespoke on-site consultations listening to your ideas, asking questions, and making our own impression of the site. Talking through concepts suitable for the site, highlighting key elements for development and improvement, and providing visual aids to articulate goals, such as aesthetics, planting, food production, wildlife attraction, water catchment and on-going maintenance. Sometimes the initial site consultation, along with a detailed design statement and written specification is enough to continue through to the implementation of the project, however, depending upon the size of project, the detail, and possible need for planning, further surveys and analysis of soils or water may be necessary.
Site Survey & Analysis
Site surveys might be required as part of the project pack and planning application, also in order to aid when writing tenders as part of estimation, they enable accurate pricing and scaling. Part of a survey will include taking measurements, pictures, noting datum points, understanding contours, aspects and also considering areas for screening or for opening up beautiful views, and of course most importantly the best locations for wildlife habitat, which might include bug hotels, beehives, wildflowers, meadow grasses, wildlife ponds, edible garden areas, meditation spots, and how one might access these areas safely. Soil sampling for purposes of providing site specific plants, shrubs, trees, and seeds, and also water or silt samples may also be taken if required as part of a restoration project.
Drawings & Plans
The development of preliminary drawings and artistic impressions from information collated on the initial site visit and survey will involve regular communication, enabling us to work through ideas and to ensure the master plan exceeds expectations. Defining where elements of the project will fit in place, for example, locations of plants, positions of ponds, pathways, seating areas, and discuss choice of material where necessary.
Master Plan & Estimate
Lost Habitat will present the final plan to clients’ incorporating designs, specifications, materials lists, planting plans and planting lists from seeds to trees, providing solutions on how to protect existing habitat prior to commencement of works, during, and long-term monitoring where required. A detailed estimate will then be provided outlining timescales of the project.
Examples of ecological landscape consultancy & design services include:
- Ecological landscape design
- Assistance with planning applications
- Visual assessments
- Soil, water, silt and macrophyte analysis
- Project management
- Ecological surveys
- Environmental assessments
- Professional Tree Inspections
- Ecological restoration
- Biodiversity management
- Natural management
- GIS mapping & analysis