Services
Landscape Design
Design and creativity are core skills for a landscape architect and form the basis of our service to clients in both the private and public sector. We approach each project on the basis of a specific brief that considers client aspirations, site features, site users, future management, the wider environment, and sustainability. Working holistically, our designs result in projects that incorporate flair, fun and function.
Our experience extends across a range of projects, both within the UK and overseas including public realm, green infrastructure, masterplanning, residential landscapes, affordable housing, healthcare, schools and colleges, flood alleviation schemes, highways, public parks, sport and leisure facilities, commercial developments, and urban regeneration.
Our expertise also includes a commitment to, and practical experience of, community consultation and engagement. Participation in the design process and assessment process is both a valuable and rewarding exercise that can make a real difference to the success of projects in the public realm.
We undertake all aspects of landscape design, from initial concept, hand rendered sketches and plan, to detail CAD drawings and contract administration to ensure that design becomes reality.
To support our landscape design and assessment projects we can also provide 3D visualisation and photomontage.
Landscape and Visual Assessment
We offer a balanced view of the likely environmental effects resulting from development proposals as part of our Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) services. We provide the necessary skills, experience, and resource to undertake a robust assessment; essential to the success of a project. We deliver pragmatic, balanced solutions that seek to minimise environmental impact, provide beneficial mitigation, and achieve sustainable development.
We have a track record of undertaking LVIA for a diverse range of projects including healthcare, light rail, highways, wind energy, waste facilities, mineral extraction, leisure, commercial and residential development; our clients benefit from the knowledge and extensive experience we bring to this process.
BHA offer a full complement of professional skills to support the LVIA process including full frame photography, GIS, photomontage, specialist graphics and digital Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI). Our presentation skills also extend to public exhibitions and stakeholder engagement.
We have proven expert witness skills with a successful track record at a number of public inquiries across a wide range of development proposals.
Heritage
Our close association with archaeologists and heritage specialists ensures that we are able to offer integrated heritage input to projects. This expertise enables clients to assess and manage both prospective development sites and existing assets to balance heritage interests.
We appreciate the unique historic value of our landscape and promote an integrated view of the environment that recognises both the need for development and the conservation of heritage assets.
The portfolio of projects includes extensive commercial and residential development, flood alleviation schemes, renewable energy, highways, and light rail projects.
Landscape Management
To provide maximum benefit, external spaces require positive management as they evolve and mature. This process is essential to ensure that the design concept is realised and long term viability is achieved. Carefully planned management can also benefit existing mature landscapes.
We have considerable experience of preparing, and implementing management solutions for a variety of landscape types over both short and longer term. Management regimes need not be complex but must be comprehensive with clear objectives and co-ordinated plans to achieve successful development and provide value for money.
Often a key part of the management regime will be the recognition and evaluation of existing site resources. BHA are able to undertake a variety of site audits including tree surveys to BS 5837: 2012, method statements, arboricultural impact assessments and tree protection drawings. We employ a holistic approach to management, taking account of ecological constraints and opportunities, to promote greater diversity and long term sustainability.
Ecology
At BHA we recognise the value of natural systems and encourage a wider view of the environment that incorporates a responsible approach to design and management. We have developed a close association with specialist ecologists to offer a tailored service that meets the need for appropriate advice yet balances biodiversity interests. We aim for sustainable solutions that deliver ecological benefit through a robust process of survey, appraisal and assessment. Our landscape architects take a balanced view of the environment that builds upon this input.
We have provided a range of services that vary in scale from Strategic Assessment, to site level Ecological Impact Assessment, habitat survey, protected species survey, species translocation and habitat creation for a variety of projects including river catchment strategies, flood alleviation schemes, highways, residential, waste management and educational facilities.