Wildlife Garden, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, UK
Wildlife garden for a well-known author in rural Gloucestershire
The design, development and execution over several years of a large wildlife garden
To create the perfect wildlife garden there needs to be a great mix of biodiversity, sustainability, nature and wildlife. The property is being redesigned, so using architect’s drawings we are able to provide a detailed design for a large wildlife garden stretching for c. 10 acres.
The first stage of this wildlife garden is the development and creation of a natural swimming lake, fed by underwater springs. This will also be a haven for birds, insects, mammals and other creatures. The client, a famous author, is very keen to attract as much wildlife as possible. Working with the Environment Agency and dissecting the Town & Country Planning Act and the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and following numerous site assessments and visits, water drainage test holes, a a TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin liner was used to create the lake with the outer perimeter, shelf, sloped sides and deep pocket. This is a wildlife garden for life, and a UV stable liner has longevity of around 40 years. The spoils of earth are to be used as sculptural land forms, which will also act as wildlife resting and hibernation spots.
The lake in this wildlife garden is located almost centrally in the site, so a network of self-binding gravel pathways are designed to enable the client to walk around the garden, sit by the lake, swim and enjoy the space without having to tread across the lawns. New meadows will be sown around the lake, and because the house is positioned on slightly higher level a series of ha-has and steps are designed to create sculptural aesthetics within the space.
A new external office building provides the perfect writing den for the client/author, overlooking the lake and the wildlife beyond.