Projects

Gartcharron Landscape and Rewilding Plan

Landowner

A plan designed to rediscover the beauty and biodiversity of Scotland’s temperate rainforest.

Working in close collaboration with the landowner and other environmental specialists, Jo developed a vision for the restoration of nature on Gartcharron Farm. Based on restoring the indigenous temperate rainforest, Jo created a woodland framework that connects surrounding habitats, boosts biodiversity and enhances landscape character. The framework also includes wood pasture and preserves tracts of grassland and scrub in order to accommodate regenerative livestock grazing. Informed by the soils, water, landform, vegetation, wildlife and people, the vision and plan intend to enrich every aspect of nature across the 110 Hectare site and beyond.

Beyond Carbon Audit

North Yorkshire Council (NYC)

A project developed to help NYC reach their net-zero and biodiversity targets through a strategic review of land-uses on NYC land.

Jo undertook an audit of 137 council-owned sites (2,068 Hectares) collecting data on soils, hydrology, landform, land-uses, landscape character and planning constraints. Proposed changes to land use and land management aimed to maximise carbon sequestration, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and boost biodiversity on each site. Jo developed ‘prescriptions’ that would improve soil health, integrate regenerative farming, create woodlands, grasslands, scrub and wetlands, identify suitable sites for renewable energy and identify opportunities for community participation. Each site was considered in respect of its strategic contribution to a balanced system that protects food, water and energy security.

Landscape Institute

A programme aimed at encouraging landscape practitioners to adopt a low carbon approach to landscape planning and design.

Commissioned by The Landscape Institute, Jo was responsible for the development and production of guidance materials to raise awareness of low carbon approaches and assist landscape practitioners in their transition towards more sustainable practices. The materials set out five key actions; think lifecycle; protect carbon stores; design responsively; use less hard and more soft materials; and specify low-carbon materials and construction. Designed to be accessible, informative and motivational, the materials include an overlay to the RIBA Plan of Works and case studies to demonstrate the multiple benefits of a low-carbon approach.

Landscape and Carbon Guidance Materials

Vattenfall

A plan designed to mitigate landscape and visual effects, enhance landscape character and improve habitat provision for local wildlife.

Jo developed the concept of creating glades and groves in the landscape setting around the onshore infrastructure of the Norfolk Boreas and Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Windfarms. Native trees and shrubs were selected and habitats designed to support priority wildlife species present in the local area. The woodland glades create enclosure around sheltered spaces in which grasslands and scrub diversify the provision of habitats on offer. The woodland design creates vertical tiers of upper and lower canopies, understorey and ground cover, to further increase both biodiversity and biomass.