1. The successful management and re-use of ‘Greenfield’ site soils – a case study
Tim White, Senior Associate, Tim O’Hare Associates LLP

Soils on Greenfield sites are a valuable natural resource. They are, however, also a major financial and environmental liability if not managed properly during construction. This case study examines a large Greenfield development site where a complex range of landscape environments were proposed (street trees, ornamental shrubs, native woodland, swales, wetlands, grasslands and sports pitches). Tim will summarise the findings of the initial Soil Resource Survey, which identified various soil types with differing properties, and then go through the sequence of events that unfolded during the earthworks phases. He will look at the consequences when things don’t always go to plan, and how to rectify potential problems.

2. New generation soil conditioning technology
Davy Ottevaere, Technical Manager at TerraCottem BVBA

Davy will discuss why only ‘degraded’ soils are considered poor and in need of improvement when, perhaps, all soils lack certain physical, chemical and/or microbiological features to be in an optimum state for plant development, requiring a new generation of soil conditioning technology.

3. The client’s perspective – what you can’t see does matter!
Phil Askew, Director of Landscape Design & Management at Peabody, leading on Thamesmead

As a client Phil is equally interested in what happens below the surface as above. He will consider the fundamentals to achieving a successful project from this perspective.

4. Podium landscapes – considerations for soil types, depths, specifications, membranes and much more
Tim O’Hare, Principal Consultant, Tim O’Hare Associates LLP

Podium landscapes are an increasingly common element of many landscape schemes, with some projects now built entirely ‘on structure’. Tim will look at the nature and properties of the soils that are best suited to such schemes, and discuss the many issues that need to be factored at the design and specification stages.

5. Designing valuable landscapes from the soil up
Carolyn Willitts, Founder & Landscape Architect, CW Studio

Carolyn will be discussing the social, ecological and commercial value of designed landscapes, using a recent case study – Moneypenny HQ, an office in a park in Wrexham. Soil will feature, as will SuDs, BREEAM battles, picnics in meadows, and bringing joy into the external environment.

6. Thinking outside the tree pit – what sustainable urban tree planting really looks like
Martin Gammie, Principal, Consulting with Trees Ltd

Why do we plant trees, and why do so many urban trees fail or become a liability rather than an asset? In terms of the principles and practices of planting trees, where there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, Martin will provide an overview of project-bespoke tree planting solutions that consider secure compatible longevity with the site, its functions and other infrastructure.

7. An introduction to mycorrhizal fungi
Louisa Robinson Boyer, Head of Research and Development, Plantworks Ltd

Louisa will consider how the use of chemicals and land management practices reduce the fungi present in soils and the role that mycorrhizal fungi can play in helping to efficiently deliver water and nutrients to plants. She will also look at the products on the market which act to re-establish fungal populations, helping plant establishment and health long-term.

8. The application of drone technology in site assessment

Peter Wilder, Director, Survey Drone Ltd

Peter will be speaking about the integration of drone technology into land planning, and the many applications that this equipment can be used for. He will also conduct a demonstration of one of his drones at the conference lunch break (weather permitting).

Find out more about our speakers

Spaces limited to 150 so book early to avoid disappointment
Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day

Phyllis Court has excellent transport links by road (M40, M4) and rail, with collection from Henley railway station available on the day.