A major landscape design in Dorset that we have successfully worked on is one of multiple phases in Weymouth, Dorset. This near 300 unit development has been designed to provide green spaces to the incoming residents of the development.
Throughout the design process we thought about how a large scale development within Dorset can connect with the surrounding nature through our landscape strategy.
The landscape of this phase has been designed to respect, enhance and promote the local character, being sympathetic to the surrounding environment. The design approach aims to mirror the previously approved Phases visually connecting the developments and wider landscape.
The landscape strategy focused on using sustainable design solutions to promote and enhance the local environment, creating a sustainable development that can be easily followed again in future phases. The site provides new and existing ecological benefits, allowing the community and neighbouring school to explore the surroundings and learn about sustainable design and the ecological benefits the site provides. This will give local residents a sense of ownership of their community and encourage sustainable solutions to be used in their homes and private garden spaces.
New high quality planting will mirror the unique planting combinations used on the neighbouring phases to connect the developments and also create individual identities within the overall site itself. The proposed planting will include native species and plants iconic with Dorset and its heathland, such as Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinereal, Erica tetralix and Erica ciliaris. This combination of planting will connect the sites landscape with Dorset, enhancing and promoting the local character. The planting will be supported with a diverse mix to tree varieties such as Malus, Acer, Sorbus and Prunus will be planted throughout the development, mirroring trees approved in the neighbouring Phases.
It is important as well to consider the ecological value of the site and the sustainable design theories. The design will not only protect and enhance existing wildlife, but will introduce and promote new habitats, creating a sustainable development.
The SUDS pond offers an opportunity for people to engage with the landscape and learn about its benefits. Introducing a multitude of public seating for users to experience the SUDS will provide multifunctional benefits. Multiple Swales integrated into the landscape will aid flood attenuation which will also provide varied habitats and improved biodiversity through a mixture of grassland and meadow mixtures.
Throughout the process of the design we worked in liaison with the clients, architects, local authority and other consultants to provide a successful landscape design for the local area.
