Landscape works that harness natural watercourses form a key component of Atkinson Architects’ work throughout Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
With climate change and a warming environment increasingly affecting our landscapes, the importance of effective water management has never been greater. The drought conditions experienced this summer have highlighted the need to carefully consider how water can be retained, managed and optimised within the landscape.
Working with natural topography, streams and rivers, thoughtful water management can help optimise the presence of water on private land. Natural ponds and water meadows provide an effective way to integrate water management with landscape design, while also creating valuable habitats for local wildlife.
We have recently completed three significant wildlife ponds within the Tamar Valley Natural Landscape and are progressing on site with a landmark 100-metre-long by 50-metre-wide, three-level pond and water meadow at Trewin House in South East Cornwall.
Set within the curtilage gardens of listed buildings, these ponds have been carefully designed to optimise the variety and abundance of flora and fauna indigenous to the area.
The resulting habitats provide valuable environments for insects, butterflies, birds and field mammals. The ponds also contribute to supporting protected species, including bats, newts and slow worms, helping to enhance local biodiversity and strengthen the ecological value of the landscape.
We are fortunate to work with clients and landowners who share such a strong commitment to enhancing the natural beauty, biodiversity and diversity of the land within their ownership.
The construction of these ponds, along with bridges, water margins and drainage, forms part of the comprehensive on-site services we provide. Our approach is to ensure that completed ponds successfully establish, mature and develop naturally, with minimal ongoing maintenance.
Rainwater harvesting and the recycled use of grey water are also key features of each pond, providing an important technical function alongside creating places of beauty, tranquillity and connection with the natural environment.
Through carefully considered landscape design and natural water management, Atkinson Architects creates wildlife ponds and water meadows that not only respond to the changing climate but also enrich the landscape for people and wildlife alike.
