AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The remains of historic gardens and designed landscapes can be difficult to identify and understand. They comprise hard landscape features, such as built structures or earthworks, and soft features including living plants, trees and shrubs.

Working with a specialist team of associates, we are able to research, survey, interpret and assess the significance of all types of designed landscape, including gardens, parks, and cemeteries.

We regularly work with Lidar data, producing bare-earth models of historic landscapes, followed by 'ground-truthing' and the interpretation of potential archaeological featrues that are identified. 

• Appraisals of Historic Landscapes (comprising site survey and documentary research);
• Garden and Parkland Surveys (including gazetteers of historic features and elements);
• Archaeological recording and analysis  of garden structures (both extant and buried - including geophysical survey; metric survey; Lidar; archaeologial excavation and analytical earthwork survey)
• Heritage Consultancy to prepare and co-ordinate the production of both Conservation Plans, and Parkland Management Plans.

RECENT PROJECTS

Chatsworth Parkland, Derbyshire (on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society).  A scheme of archaeological investigations were undertaken as part of the pre-show planning for a new flower show at Chatsworth. Archive research, geophysics, Lidar analysis, drone survey and targeted ground excavations were undertaken to identify areas of sensitivity within the 20ha show site. 

Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall (on behalf of Plymouth City & Cornwall County Councils). A detailed archaeological landscape survey was undertaken as a part of a management plan to restore and develop aspects of this iconic 18th century garden. The project included a walkover suvey, archive research, and the analysis of WWII aerial photography and Lidar.

Chettle House, Wiltshire (Private Client). A landscape survey of the former gardens surrounding this 18th century house, including a wilderness and a series of formal ponds and shallow garden earthworks .

Welbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire (on behalf of the Welbeck Estate). A detailed landscape survey was undertaken as a part of a management plan to restore and deveop aspects of this 17th-18th century designed landscape. The project included a walkover suvey, archive research, and the analysis of aerial photography.