- Location:
- Derbyshire
- Services:
- Client:
- Derbyshire County Council
- Sector:
- Education
Landscape Architecture
The site is an interesting shape with many level changes. The landscape master plan, designed to provide an extensive and diverse habitat, increases the range found on the site. The new meadow planting, combined with the existing hedgerows and the new pond, creates a substantially enhanced diversity of habitat.
In the immediate vicinity of the school buildings and sports pitches, the landscape is treated simply to maintain the agricultural character of the site and the surrounding area. The layout is designed to provided wheelchair access to all areas.
Existing hedges within the site have been retained where possible, and boundary hedges reinforced with new trees of local provenance. New hedges have also been introduced within the site to mirror the historic field pattern of the local area, as well as wildflower planting zones. Wildlife corridors have also been introduced around the perimeter and traversing the site.
The main hard and soft play areas, located adjacent to the school are in an integrated design with the sports fields and parking areas. An all weather pitch and MUGA are located away from residential areas to minimise noise and light spillage.
The ground modelling created distinct embankments and slopes which are planted with shrubs and trees to reinforce circulation areas. The pedestrian areas use resin bonded gravel on a tarmacadam base, with feature panels of textured masonry paving used within the courtyard in a pattern which reinforces the walking and resting areas.
The planting around the buildings are of a robust character and include imported species to ensure the high use areas are sustainable. Tree planting within the school security zone is of a parkland character that reflects the change of use and breaks up the larger grassed areas.
Protection provided to planting, especially tree staking and knee rails, ensures that the scheme will develop into a dense cover.
The planting on this site has therefore carefully integrated the robust character of the school environment, with ecological and landscape values, to create a successful scheme on a large scale.
