MATERIALS

In all projects sustainability is paramount to our approach. We encourage reused, salvaged, reclaimed and recycled materials as an alternative to virgin and primary materials. The performance of such materials is assessed for suitability for the intended use.

 SUDS (Sustainable urban drainage systems)

Sustainable drainage ensures minimum impact on our rivers and water courses. Much damage to our environment has historically been caused by extensive traditional land and surface drainage. Additionally in times of drought, moisture in the ground isn’t available for crops. In clay soils severe cracking occurs, causing damage to the surface, affecting plant roots and in some cases leading to serious problems with mature trees which in turn can affect safety to humans and buildings. Our approach is to deal with this in a more sensitive manner, where problem drainage is addressed and resolved with minimum movement of water thus ensuring natural groundwater recharge. SUDS may include soakaways, filter strips, swales, detention ponds, reedbeds, etc. but will also consider selective plant species, green roofs, pervious surfaces and detention basins.

SOILS, COMPOST and MULCHES

Affectively addressed by use of resources such as ‘Earth Exchange’, green waste composting and organic mulching.  We encourage prunings and brash from tree works to be chipped on site and either used directly as mulch or stored/turned in windrows to produce compost.

ENDURING LANDSCAPES and MINIMUM MAINTENANCE 

Consideration is given to overall design and plant selection in relation to site conditions, aspect and topography to ensure long term success and reduced maintenance operations.