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Arboricultural Diploma Achieved!

On June 10, 2021

We are thrilled to announce that, after 4 years of study, Karen Lacey has now gained her Level 6 Diploma in Arboriculture. This remains the premier qualification in arboriculture and is fully endorsed by the Royal Forestry Society.

Karen has a particular interest in trees in relation to development, as well as woodland management and the management of sites with ancient and veteran trees. She is currently undertaking further training in structural damage investigations for arboriculturists.

For more information on our arboricultural services, click here

World Environment Day – Focus on Ancient Woodland

On June 3, 2021

by Louise

The theme for World Environment Day 2021 is Ecosystem Restoration. This World Environment Day, we focus on Ancient Woodland. We all know that ecosystem destruction is occurring at an alarming rate and scale which means our attention is often focused on globally significant ecosystems such as mountains, coral reefs, peatlands, or rainforests. And rightly so, the need to save these ecosystems is urgent.

LVIA or LVA – When Do I Need One?

On May 14, 2021

by Bobby Browne

Assessing how a proposed development could affect the existing landscape setting is an important part of the planning process. But it is not always simple for non-specialists to know how to go about commissioning the right report to accompany their planning application. The terms Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) are often used interchangeably. This can be confusing for people within the landscape industry and even more perplexing for those outside of the industry needing to commission a study. This article explores the difference between the two types of report and considers when each one might be needed.

Tree Leaf Out Spring 2021

On April 30, 2021

by Karen Lacey

Tree leaf out is part of a deciduous tree’s annual cycle. It is the production of leaves during the spring following winter dormancy. Leaf out is illustrated in this time-lapse video of beech buds and leaves opening, filmed by Neil Bromhall:

Getting to know the Urban Greening Factor

On April 23, 2021

by Tom Johnson

The London Plan 2021 includes a new policy initiative referred to as the ‘Urban Greening Factor’. This is intended to accelerate the greening of London’s streets, buildings and public spaces. The policy will provide new areas of green space in the urban environment and to work alongside planning policies which protect our existing green spaces.

A Brief Guide to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)

On April 16, 2021

by John

What is a MUGA?

A MUGA or Multi-Use Games Area is an enclosed games court which can cater for a wide range of sporting demands. There is flexibility in terms of dimensions, though they are generally based on multiples of the space required for a standard netball court laid out in compliance with England Netball specifications.

Finishing Touch at Faversham Recreation Ground

On April 9, 2021

by wwa

Funded by a Parks for People Heritage Lottery Fund grant, our project with Swale Borough Council to transform Faversham Recreation Ground was largely completed before the pandemic began; except for the finishing touch to the Grade II listed Lodge Building, a new weathervane. The original vane was stolen during construction, so local blacksmith Chris Keay worked from photographs to design and make a replica vane.

Welcoming Spring and Emerging from Lockdown

On April 1, 2021

by Louise

Welcoming Spring and emerging from Lockdown. Spring often seems to arrive all-of-a-sudden but this year, as we have been bound to our homes, many of us have impatiently watched every bud emerge and every flower open with excited anticipation. As the prospect of a lifting lockdown coincides with the reawakening of the natural world, it can feel like the lengthening days bring a tentative optimism.

A Virtual Return to Writtle University College

On March 26, 2021

by wwa

This semester, the WWA staff have been helping to deliver the Landscape Professional Practice module to Landscape Architecture masters students at Writtle University College. We have a long-standing relationship with the college, which has helped train almost half of our staff, so it has been great for Gill Wynne-Williams, Bobby Browne and Alex Hooper to virtually return to share their professional and career experience with the class of 2021.

University of Cambridge Student Services Project Wins Award

On March 19, 2021

by wwa

We are delighted to hear that the University of Cambridge North Range Student Services Project has won a high commendation at the Civic Trust Awards. The project included a refurbishment of existing listed buildings, the construction of a new wing, and an overhaul of the public realm.