Landscape Regeneration transforms communities and larger public realms

As landscape architects, we consult, design and configure appealing and resilient landscaped amenities for sustainable regeneration projects from our base in Billericay, Essex. We can help you to realise your vision and goals to maximise both the attractiveness and amenity value of spaces both large and small rural, urban and natural ecosystems.

Countryside amenity regeneration to both protect and open up spaces

Our approach to sustainable landscaping is finding and maintaining the balance between making it accessible and inviting while protecting natural habitats, biodiversity, the ecosystem and the aesthetics. Areas can encompass both degraded sections that can be reused as well as existing well-managed amenities.

For example, a well-planned footpath network can  give people access to wildlife, and wetland areas can be connected by boardwalks, bridges and causeways, augmented by pedestrian and bridle way connections where appropriate  – all designed to be sympathetic and in harmony with the local environment.

Urban Regeneration – Landscaping amenity spaces delivers a vital feel-good factor

Transforming a regeneration area into a more desirable place to live stimulates social and economic regeneration too. The ultimate measure of success is how much the community feels a true sense of place and a desire to belong. It is a complex process, a mix of physical infrastructure and societal factors.

Our artfully landscaped green spaces, amenities and connectivity corridors truly boost the overall aesthetics. A judicious blend of both soft and hard landscaping are vital elements of the overall uplift, which is the desired outcome. These oases of nature impart an immediate positive impression. Creating them is what we are very good at.

Landscaping Walkways, Paths & Pathwork, Walking Tracks & Boardwalks

The most common elements of hard landscaping, well-planned and laid pedestrian ways can really make the difference between a merely pleasant amenity and one that actively attracts visitors. Generally, a higher uptake and utilisation indicates increased satisfaction levels and a better facility.

Pathwork

We strive to retain existing pathways where possible, repairing them as necessary to restore them as close to their original style, materials and condition as possible.

We design any new pathwork to blend in with and complement the landscape and make even the wildest, steepest or roughest terrain accessible to walkers. Often constructed from packed soil shored up by constraining timbers, pathwork can actually take many forms to suit the environment and the vison of the regeneration planners.

For example, regenerating a disused railway cutting can include pathwork to give pedestrian access down the steep banks at intervals. Frequently muddy patches benefit from a raised walkway using pathwork.

Walking tracks

Our walking tracks or trails present a tempting invitation to visitors to explore woodland or whatever the environments has to offer. They can be surfaced with any number of materials and designed to cover both level ground and inclines. A satisfying walking track meanders along, inviting the walker to see what’s around the next bend, while taking them past interesting aspects of the amenity.

Walkways Vs Paths

Traditionally, a path would have been created on the terrain by previous foot traffic whereas a walkway is specifically designed to channel pedestrians over a specific route.

More commonly, paths laid in urban green areas tend to be surfaced, which can be anything from natural gravel to asphalt, brick, flagstones or resin based materials. Often, the overall tone and relative formality of a green space dictates what path style is most appropriate.

Boardwalks

Boardwalks are raised walkways, usually constructed from planks or timber boards or planks laid to form a convenient surface for people to walk on. They can be elevated structures or simply consist of boards laid directly on a flat surface – for example, sand.

Architecting a landscape often benefits from low level bridges, either to raise a footway above a soggy surface or water feature, or simply to add elements of visual interest and aesthetic pleasure. These boardwalks can take walkers in any direction the designer chooses to maximise the pleasure of the experience and the features the environment has to offer.

Good inclusive access is the key to utilisation when landscaping for regeneration

We always work very closely with the project stakeholders when laying down core principles for the planning and design phase. The wide range of pathway styles, materials and layout means that we can suggest a shortlist of possibilities that match your overarching vision for the amenity in question.