It’s no secret that one of the major concerns when building new developments or purchasing land is anything you intend to do on said land could cause some environmental concerns. Plus, with everyone hyperaware of the effects of environment changes to the climate, it’s no wonder that landscape surveys are becoming increasingly popular, but what are they and how do landscape surveys help the environment?
What is a landscape survey?
Landscape surveys are vital as they provide useful insights into the potential environmental effects of various activities. Landscape surveys, from major construction projects to minor building initiatives, assist safeguard and improve the environment by assessing its current state and providing sustainable solutions.
Here are a few common landscape surveys that you may come across if you’re interested in a developing land:
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA):
Assessments of the landscape and visual impact are thorough studies carried out during the planning stage of large projects. These evaluations examine the possible effects on the local environment’s scenery and visual appeal. LVIA aids in making decisions by taking into account elements including ecological effects, cultural importance, and aesthetic changes. It enables them to lessen adverse environmental consequences and maintain the landscape’s distinctive features.
Landscape Assessments:
Landscape Assessments are condensed variants of LVIA that concentrate on more compact projects. These evaluations offer insightful information about the current landscape and its ecological, aesthetic, and cultural aspects. They direct the preservation and improvement of these characteristics throughout the development process by identifying the distinctive features and qualities of the landscape.
Hard and Soft Landscaping Plans:
Plans for hard and soft landscaping specify the arrangement and selection of landscape’s components. While soft landscaping refers to the choice and placement of plants and other living elements, hard landscaping includes non-living elements like paths, walls, and structures. These strategies are essential for developing sustainable and environmentally friendly environments. They involve techniques like utilising native plant species, putting in place irrigation systems that use less water, and preserving natural characteristics. By doing so, hard and soft landscaping strategies improve the overall quality and resilience of the landscape while minimising the environmental impact of development.
Landscape Strategies:
For managing and enriching landscapes over the long term, Landscape plans offer direction. These methods encourage a comprehensive approach to landscape planning by taking ecological, social, and economic concerns into account. They deal with topics including biodiversity preservation, habitat restoration, and the incorporation of sustainable design concepts. By putting landscape plans into practise, you can protect the environment, use land sustainably, and create resilient, beautiful landscapes.
Landscape surveys are indispensable tools for protecting the environment. By conducting Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments, Landscape Assessments, and formulating Hard and Soft Landscaping Plans and Landscape Strategies, we can strike a balance between human activities and the preservation of natural systems. Through these practices, landscape surveys play a significant role in promoting sustainable development and the preservation of our precious environment for future generations.
At Greenlight, we have expertise working on a variety of projects, from large home developments to barn conversions. Our primary areas of expertise are landscape & visual assessments and landscape & planting designs, and every consultant is highly qualified. Get in touch with our team who would be happy to discuss how we can help you.
