Two perspectives, one project.
Melissa and Kate worked together on a project in south-west Wales and reflect here on the process.
We recently provided ecological services at the National Trust’s Gupton Farm campsite in Pembrokeshire, where the proposed works involved reconfiguring existing camping areas. Our role included undertaking a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) to identify ecological constraints and opportunities across the site.
The site’s coastal and agricultural setting provided an interesting ecological context, with habitats, protected species and designated sites carefully considered throughout the assessment. Although the habitats on site were relatively common, including modified grassland, dense scrub and scattered trees, care was taken to retain and enhance these features while ensuring the proposal complemented the surrounding landscape.
Opportunities for additional planting and screening were identified to help integrate the development into the landscape, support biodiversity and maintain the natural setting enjoyed by visitors. Ecological enhancements such as bird and bat boxes, along with bug hotels, were incorporated into the plans to provide further biodiversity benefits.
This work helped inform the wider project team of ecological considerations early in the design process, supporting a sensitive and sustainable approach to the proposed works and helping to mitigate potential impacts.
It was great to contribute to a project in such a scenic part of Pembrokeshire and to help ensure ecological considerations were embedded from the outset.
We were also asked to produce a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment to determine the likely effects on the National Park and other sensitive receptors in the area. Our assessment identified a number of characteristics and views that could be affected by the proposed development and recommended ways to mitigate these impacts through new native planting and boundary walls, including traditional Pembrokeshire hedgebanks.
Our subsequent designs responded to both this assessment and the recommendations of the PEA, resulting in a carefully considered proposal that responds sensitively to its context.
We were really impressed with Land Studio. They are creative, a delight to work with and captured our vision and their own vision perfectly.
Shahina Ahmad, Principal of Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest.