The creation and management of stable habitats for wildlife has never been so important for the landscape and regeneration sectors. Projects range from environmental impact mitigation for major developments to the creation of discrete wildflower areas that are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to local biodiversity.
Tim O’Hare Associates provides soil science services to assist landscape architects and ecologists to understand, manage and make best use of their on-site resources and/or advise on suitable imported materials to suit the site, design and project aspirations.
Habitat schemes are normally designed to mimic existing semi-natural land uses and traditionally have low chemical inputs and reduced management requirements compared to conventional landscape types. It is essential, therefore, that they are well-balanced and function correctly with minimal intervention once established.
Of the many factors involved, soils are one of the most important to get right at the design and implementation stages of a project. Physical, chemical and biological soil characteristics all exert strong influences on the ecology of a site and must be understood if a habitat creation scheme is to be successful.
Services include:
- Soil resource survey
- Soil specification
- Species selection
- Monitoring and inspection services
- Land management plans
