The commercial and leisure sector is large and diverse. JFA Environmental Planning have a portfolio that ranges from pubs, to golf courses, to holiday camps and a range of business parks and office buildings. What sets this sector apart is the way people use the public realm. Depending on the type of leisure activity, there can be the potential for human presence to conflict with natural habitats and protected species. Our initial landscape and ecology and arboriculture surveys can identify where this may happen and provide useful advice to minimise this.
Case studies:
hellingly park, east sussex
Project: Public park regeneration Client: Persimmon Homes Deliverables:
Landscape masterplan
Key Issues On behalf of Persimmon Homes JFA Landscape and Ecology was commissioned as landscape masterplanner for the regeneration of a 13 hectare public park in the Wealden District of East Sussex.
The concept for the proposed community park combines new landscape elements with the parklands mature and varied existing habitats, the characters of which were plotted and then formalised into design and management proposals to define areas with distinctive landscape and ecological qualities. Key elements in the design included: children’s play areas, allotments and a SUDS system incorporated into a wetland area.
west of england green infrastructure project
Project: West of England Green Infrastructure Project
Client: Natural England via Dialogue Matters Ltd
Deliverables:
Digital Mapping
Stakeholder consultation
Key Issues This project involved the innovative use of mapping techniques to interpret the results of a series of stakeholder meetings held to discuss Green Infrastructure proposals in the West of England. The knowledge and aspirations of stakeholders was gathered during workshops and this was summarised by facilitators. The JFA Environmental Planning team pulled the data together and created a series of maps to incorporate both stakeholders’ local knowledge and their aspirations.
The information was provided to the final user – Natural England – in digital format for incorporation into an interactive web site.
medway gate, kent
Project: Mixed-use development – Cuxton Pits, Medway Gate, Strood, Rochester, Kent
Client: Persimmon Homes / Strand Harbour
Deliverables:
Translocation of reptiles and amphibians, including the EU protected great crested newt (moved under licence)
Design and implementation of the Ecological Management Plan and pond creation
European Protected Species Mitigation Licence for great crested newts
Key Issues
JFA Environmental Planning were appointed to ensure ecological professionalism and efficiency for the client throughout the European protected species licence (great crested newt) application process, post-development monitoring and habitat management. Medway Gate is a mixed development scheme, including the construction of 450 homes and 2800 m2 of offices, play spaces and healthcare facilities. Close consultation with local stakeholders was key, as the site was a designated Site of Nature Conservation Interest.
JFA Environmental Planning aided the conservation of the European protected great crested newt, as well as reptiles and other flora and fauna, by creating and enhancing existing habitat within the development site – a picturesque disused chalk quarry safeguarded as a conservation area. JFA Environmental Planning were thorough in their approach during translocation of herpetofauna and showed high regard for animal welfare as well as implementing the most cost-effective methodology; they were vigilant and professional during monitoring work; and, provided a well thought out long-term management plan to maintain a high level of biodiversity present at the site.
Upper bolnore, west sussex
Project: Residential development
Client: Towerstile Plc
Deliverables:
Landscape Strategy
Landscape Masterplan
Visual Assessment
Key Issues
JFA Environmental Planning was able to provide an integrated approach to create a Masterplan which combined landscape and ecology.
The Masterplan responds directly to its location and integrates into the wider landscape naturally, informed through a rigorous Landscape and Visual Appraisal and well thought out Environmental Appraisal, which incorporated the creation and protection of buffer zones, as well as public open spaces focused for informal recreational areas.
Johnson and Johnson Campus, Buckinghamshire
Project: Landscape renewal and enhancement of existing campus Client: Johnson and Johnson Deliverables: • Detailed Landscape Strategy • Roof level planting plan • Green Wall design, planting and installation • Ecological survey • Tree survey and Method Statement
Key Issues: JFA undertook a Landscape Strategy as part of a campus renewal programme. The landscape regeneration included using an innovative ecological approach with roof level and Green Wall system provision. The programme of enhancements will provide many opportunities to improve biodiversity on-site and create an attractive green infrastructure for the campus. Proposals include tree, ornamental shrub and hedge planting and the creation of wildflower meadows to integrate the area into the wider landscape. Longer term management is included as part of these proposals with detailed biodiversity enhancements proposed to establish micro-habitats and improve the setting of the campus for wildlife as well as employees.