THE CHELSEA DIARY Our build teams have arrived at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to begin work on our stand, designed by Taina Suonio. During the build process and the week itself, we will be keeping you up to date with the work of our teams and what is going on during the most prestigious week in the horticulture [...]

Natural Capital Appraisal - Brudenell Estates A bespoke natural capital approach was developed for the Deene Park estate team and their advisors. This outlined the opportunities and risks linked with the estate’s key objectives and existing strategic plan. In working with the estate, we collated data from the estate’s own records, combined with the wider land management data sets [...]

Idyllic Meadow Restoration Idyllic meadow restoration designed by Head of Design at Nicholsons - Freddie. This is a magical project developing many new habitats for nature and humans alike! Click the project concept plan on the right to view it in full...

Understanding the Importance of Trees and Development Site: Metcalfe Way, Haddenham Client: Castlemore Homes Ltd Departments Involved: Arboriculture, Ecology and Landscape Design Overview The protection and retention of trees when developing land and property is always an important factor to consider when preparing your planning application. Thankfully, our expert team of arboricultural consultants can support you from [...]

Achieving Planning Consent For A Broad Scheme In Oxford Site: Court Place Gardens, Iffley Client: Oxford University Development Ltd Departments Involved: Ecology 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 [...]

Combining Leisure With Nature Through Biodiverse Holiday Parks Site: Rockingham Forest Park Client: Rockingham Forest Park Ltd Departments Involved: Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Forestry Overview The proposed development near the former RAF Kings Cliffe site aimed to transform seemingly ecologically low-value grazing land into a luxurious holiday park integrated with nature. Situated between ancient [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

A Manor House Garden in the Thames Valley This stunning manor house garden, set high on a hill in the Thames Valley, enjoys panoramic views across the landscape below. The garden design carefully retained the dramatic level changes while introducing structure and contrast through strategic planting, hedges and pergolas. By framing and softening some views, the space gains intimacy and shelter, creating a harmonious [...]