1. Project Summary

• Urban Forestry Group was asked to provide a detailed landscape design for a 17m x 10m section of un-used land at the ‘Church of England Academy School’ near Chester, Cheshire.
• The purpose of the design was to provide external study space within a busy playground used by the children. Planting areas were required for the school green team who will plant up and maintain the planting areas.
• This design work was completed within 10 working days, with some minor revisions required to the landscape design prior to construction.

2. What we were asked to do:

The area to be landscaped has been carefully designed to be within the Schools budget and requested to contain the following items:

• A 3m strip of block paving linking the design trellis entrance to the existing playground surface.
• Planting areas for growing and transplanting a variety of plants for school projects.
• A design theme representing the ‘Queens Diamond Jubilee’ celebrating 60 years.

3. Site layout problems:

• Space and surface required for the emergency vehicle access from the adjacent road.
• The safe interplay of school children within the proposed landscape design.
• Consideration of ball games on the playground conflicting with the external study space.
• Designing the main theme of the Queens Diamond Jubilee.
• The right balance between seating, study space and planting areas for school projects.

4. Recommendations:

• Use of existing soil and timber to reduce costs.
• Practical positioning of the water tap.
• Discuss with the Schools Headmaster the plans for plant maintenance and storage of gardening tools.
• Incorporating various re-cycling bins for paper, plastic and garden waste.
• Include wooden study tables at the correct height for School curriculum activities.