Cotswold Field Revival, UK
Location: Cotswolds AONB, United Kingdom
Scope: Concept design, planning support and implementation
Timeline: 2022 November - 2024 November
Grass dominated field turns into species rich dreamscape. This site shows what difference people can make when their mind is set on a vision. In a short space of time this lifeless land has turned around to become a really exciting place to be in. Things change weekly, with new life unfolding in front of the viewer. With the introduction of water, restoration of the meadow and a huge amount of tree and shrub planting, this place is oozing with the joyful sounds of nature.
Landscape works took place to create a wildlife haven on this previously rye-grass dominated grazing field. Spring 2023 saw the completion of a new lake, which is a key component of the scheme for drawing in birds, insects and other creatures, making it come alive with the sound of splashing wings, bird song and buzzing dragonflies. Set within an AONB, the local landscape character is reflected in the plant palette both with perennials, seeds as well as with tree and shrub choices. To reintroduce lost biodiversity, the field has been sown with locally sourced wildflower seeds, containing some 30 different species, interplanted with native perennials and bulbs.
One third of the water area is dedicated to aquatic plants, which help balance the water nutrition levels and oxygenate the water for keeping algae blooming low. Organically shaped densely planted clumps offer shade as well as nectar and egg laying opportunities for a wide range of aquatic wildlife. Dragon and damselflies have appeared in great numbers as soon as the water started to fill up the lake.
A baseline ecological survey will serve as reflection data for habitat gain in the coming years with strong emphasis on wildlife encouraging landscape management. Specific wildlife hosting features were installed and made on site, such as amphibian hibernaculums, log piles, bird & bat boxes. Keeping the field edges uncut on 3-year rotation, allowing dead wood to stand and compost away naturally, working with the meadow cut in sections, rather than the whole field at once will give a better opportunity for nesting birds and butterflies to move onto uncut or regrowing sections of the field.
Photography credits to @DaveWattsPhotography
The build
Working together with a team of skilled professionals for turning the vision into reality is one of the highlights of any project. Being a labour of love, the shared joy of seeing plans come alive leaves a positive print on the created landscape, with many hearts set on seeing it succeed. So many people have supported the journey of this field; starting with the wonderful clients who initiated and welcomed this transformation, supported by lake build experts, local arborists, gardeners and farmers.
The planting
