We are delighted to have two projects shortlisted for Landscape Institute awards this year. Our projects are finalists in the Landscape Planning & Assessment category and the Enhancing Heritage and Culture category.

Greater Manchester Landscape Character and Sensitivity Assessment

This project embeds landscape evidence at the heart of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework. It responds to public and political concerns regarding the future of the Green Belt and ensures that the importance of the landscape resource is properly reflected in policy at all levels. The work has contributed to positive discussion about the future of the conurbation’s countryside and its role in delivering critical ecosystem services.

Straddling ten local authority areas, we established a unified spatial framework of ten Landscape Character Types (LCTs) and 46 Landscape Character Areas. The LCTs include detailed descriptions of current character, an analysis of condition and a criteria-based assessment of landscape sensitivity.

The Restoration of Beddington Park

We developed a masterplan for improvements at Beddington Park, commissioned by London Borough of Sutton. The works transformed the park and brought in many additional visitors.

Beddington is a 58-hectare public open space which once formed part of a former Tudor deer park and C18 designed landscape. Today it represents a locally important resource for heritage, recreation, education and wildlife. As a locally designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, Beddington Park contributes significantly to the borough’s biodiversity.

Our work followed a series of surveys, historical research and public consultation. The key proposals were the de-silting of the lake, replacement of the playground and new areas of herbaceous planting. We also worked on ecological enhancements including grassland and woodland management, restoration of the stock pond and new signage throughout the park.

We look forward to attending the awards ceremony at the Troxy in London on 28 November.

See the full list of finalists here.