Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Mullacott Cross Wind Turbine

(2010)

Fiona undertook the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment for this single wind turbine for the private developer Renergy. It is located on an industrial estate in North Devon and has subsequently been given planning permission.

The LVIA was part of the Environmental Report which accompanied the planning application. It assessed the potential impacts of the proposed turbine on the surrounding landscape, on views from viewpoints (including some within the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and on views from nearby residential properties

Exmoor Landscape Perceptions Study

(2011)

Published Report

This project, commissioned by Exmoor National Park Authority and the Exmoor Society, took place over the course of a year, and examined how members of the public perceive each of the nine different landscape types within the National Park. Data was recorded and analysed on how the public describe each of the landscape types, how they feel when they are there, the ways in which they value the landscape, and their observations of positive and negative changes in the landscape. The management recommendations at the end of the study are currently informing the review of the Exmoor National Park Management Plan. The project features as a case study in the Landscape Institute position statement on Landscape and Public Health (2013).

Archaeological Management Plan for Black Down and Burrington Combe, Mendip Hills AONB

With University of Leicester Archaeological Services (2010)

Volunteers turfing the newly stone-pitched Beacon Batch Barrow.
Volunteers turfing the newly stone-pitched Beacon Batch Barrow.

The project area included an extensive Scheduled Monument containing archaeological features dating from the Bronze Age to the Second World War. The majority of the area is also designated SSSI and is managed under Higher Level Stewardship (HLS). High levels of recreation and changing land cover (particularly increased bracken) were causing extensive damage to archaeological features, so it was necessary to find an acceptable balance between archaeological, recreation and conservation interests.

City of Bristol College students bagging stone for pitching on Black Down.
City of Bristol College students bagging stone for pitching on Black Down.

A condition assessment of the archaeology was undertaken by ULAS and a number of management recommendations were made. Some of these recommendations (such as stone-pitching the eroded ground around a trig point, thereby protecting the underlying Bronze-Age barrow from further damage) have already been carried out as special projects under HLS with involvement from local community volunteers. Bracken clearance of the most sensitive features is also being carried out under HLS. Other recommendations, such as the provision of interpretation panels and the re-routing of footpaths have been incorporated into a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

Landscape Sensitivity Study for land to the South of Exmoor National Park

(2009)

This project examined the sensitivity of the landscape within the setting of Exmoor National Park with regard to large scale wind turbine development. It is a particularly rich historic landscape, containing relict areas of unenclosed common land, historic field systems, and numerous ancient features and settlements. Fiona used the study as part of her evidence as a Landscape witness at Public Inquiry, objecting to proposed windfarm developments in this area. Following the Public Inquiry, the Inspector rejected the appeal on the grounds of the impact on the setting of Exmoor National Park.

Northampton Landscape Sensitivity and Green Infrastructure (LSGI) Study

With Robin Lines Landscape (2009)

Published Report Supplimentary Figure 1 Supplimentary Figure 2

Extract from Northampton LSGI Study, showing Biodiversity Networks and Green Infrastructure Networks overlaid on Landscape and Visual Sensitivity.
Extract from Northampton LSGI Study, showing Biodiversity Networks and Green Infrastructure Networks overlaid on Landscape and Visual Sensitivity.

This groundbreaking and large-scale project for the River Nene Regional Park CIC brought together studies of the landscape, visual, ecological and cultural sensitivities of the land surrounding Northampton. Recommendations were made on the most appropriate locations for the future expansion of the town, based on the findings of the sensitivity studies.

Extract from the Northampton LSGI Study, showing the recommended Green Infrastructure Strategy.
Extract from the Northampton LSGI Study, showing the recommended Green Infrastructure Strategy.

In addition, recommendations were made on the ways in which existing landscape and biodiversity features – and new links – could be utilised to improve the existing and future Green Infrastructure of the town, providing open spaces and suitable access through a network of greenways.