Achieving planning consent for a broad scheme in Oxford Site: Court Place Gardens, Iffley Client: Oxford University Development Ltd Overview Nicholsons provided ecological support to a new 71 home residential development in Iffley, Oxford, replacing 36 existing properties used as student accommodation. Key constraints on the site were roosting bats, including a pipistrelle maternity roost and several day roosts, an Read more »

Family home near Stow on the Wold This beautiful old village house required full restoration including the commissioning of a stunning garden design from the award winning Marcus Barnett Studio. Nicholsons were appointed to carry out the garden build which includes an Andrew Ewing water canal to reflect the sky – a very serene space. Read more »

Rockingham Forest Park Nicholsons were delighted to assist with the development of a new holiday park close to the old RAF Kings Cliffe site in Northamptonshire. This development involved the skills from our ecology, arboriculture, and landscape teams with a brief to provide a luxury holiday experience well connected to nature and the local landscape. The development site itself was Read more »

Primary School Extensions - Great Crested Newt Surveys Nicholsons (formerly Lockhart Garratt) were instructed by the county council in relation to a number of extensions to primary schools across the county in 2015. As part of this instruction habitat and protected species surveys were required to assess the impacts of the proposed extensions, most notably in relation to bats and Read more »

Colour on the Steps After spending a year redecorating their home, our clients shifted focus to the garden and contacted our design studio. With the full re-design still underway, Nicholsons Garden Designer, Olly Wills, started off by tackling the important role of designing a planting scheme for their beautiful stepped terrace. The terrace boasts a mix of durable and high-impact planting, with a nod to Read more »

Colour in the Cotswolds A beautiful set of converted barns had been exquisitely restored without reconnecting it to the landscape. Perched upon a hill in the deep Cotswolds, this garden had far reaching views but a feeling of exposure. The garden was gracefully designed to provide excitement and colour to the arrival, whilst providing a much desired intimacy. The combination of timber arches, pergolas and Read more »

Out of Africa A stunning manor house perched on top of the hill in the Thames Valley enjoys panoramic views of the valley below. Retaining the level change and closing off some of the views to give contrast and shelter was a significant win in this project. Using pergolas and hedges to develop intimate areas and flower laden walkways makes you feel immersed in an Read more »

Manor House Medieval Lake Restoration Following decades of neglect, our teams were instructed to carefully remove the silt from six connecting mediaeval fishing ponds. This work commands a detailed skilled approach to ensure that the waterproofing is not compromised. Careful handling of the silt allowing it to drain before landscape restoration is essential. Following our work, the landscape has fully returned to a haven for Read more »

A Celebration of Nature An escape from city life, the owners of this Cotswold property wanted to celebrate nature through a wonderful fusion of flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruits. This garden is bountiful in all seasons, showcasing beautiful colours that look at their best in the fading evening sun. Read more »

Valley House Evening sun warms this self-contained stunning Potager garden. Fenced from visiting muntjac, rabbits and the family’s characterful chickens, our client Jenny is able to grow fistfuls of fresh fruit and vegetables for the family. Originally motivated by lockdown, this garden has developed into our clients favourite part of the garden. Read more »