Whether intended for agricultural, botanical, recreational or conservational use, all land and habitats need effective management. We have a strong track record of helping clients to achieve their goals safely and effectively, through informed and objective advice, practical services and a committed partnership approach.
Our consultants have a comprehensive knowledge of trees, woodlands, hedgerows and habitats. We can advise you on the planning, design, and management of public and private green space or open land. We will also take into account any statutory obligations on particular habitats and species.
Understanding the potential threats from invasive species, pests, diseases and human activity is crucial. We are qualified to advise you on the development impact, disposal options, legal obligations and management of such issues.
Japanese Knotweed
Knotweed is an invasive species that should be regarded as a form of contamination with implications for both the natural and built environments. It can penetrate weaknesses in concrete and tarmac and damage the integrity of even large structures.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to spread Japanese knotweed, and the Environment Agency (EA) guidelines put the onus on developers to treat knotweed responsibly. Unfortunately, knotweed is extremely resilient and has the ability to lie dormant for a decade or more – even when just a tiny part of its rhizome is left in the soil – which means it is almost impossible to eradicate completely. Therefore, effective treatment and disposal of the plant, and the soil in which it is found, demand the skills of people who fully understand knotweed and its behaviour.
We have devised an effective four-stage strategy that incorporates initial investigation and identification, site management and disposal, development design and ongoing monitoring. This management plan is in line with RICS guidance and accepted best practice and should satisfy mortgage lenders.
Land Management
We have the knowledge to help you balance your trees, hedges, land, water, biodiversity and other environmental resources to meet your needs legally, safely and profitably.
Landscape Design & Management
Local Planning Authorities often require a landscape scheme as part of an application or as a planning condition. With our expertise in arboriculture, as well as a comprehensive understanding of planning requirements, we can help you devise planting schemes that support both your site’s setting and any objectives such as screening, enhancement, habitat provision or timber production.
We can also draw up detailed schedules, develop contracts and supervise any work.
POS Adoption, Management & Negotiation
In every development of any size, there are usually areas of Public Open Space (POS) – the extent and location of POS within a development is usually in accordance with planning policy and is agreed with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) as part of the planning negotiations or S.106 agreement. The design and layout of the POS areas is agreed as part of the general planning discussions: they are included on the planning layout and will become part of the approved development.
The POS areas usually remain under the control of the developer during construction and will then be adopted by either the LPA or a management company (depending on the agreements and circumstances of each project). We can assist the developer in delivering the POS to the agreed design/specification and to the agreed timescale. This will often involve inspecting the POS areas, agreeing a schedule of works needed with either the LPA or the management company, and then project managing its delivery.
Over the years, we have built up a network of arboricultural, landscape and groundworks contractors as well as relationships with LPA officers and management companies, helping us to deliver POS areas efficiently.
Ecological Surveys
The majority of development proposals have the potential to impact on local biodiversity in some way – either through direct loss of habitat or by compromising the habitat’s ability to support its dependent species. Several pieces of legislation, including The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, provide legal protection for a variety of creatures, particularly nesting birds. This has significant legal ramifications for all landowners, whether primarily a developer, farmer or conservationist.
We can arrange an ecological survey to help you establish the flora and fauna populations on your land. This will provide valuable guidance – and defence – for any work you wish to undertake and will ensure that:
Our arboricultural services are provided by our subsidiary company JP Associates.
