ecological landscape design
For flourishing human habitats
How do you want to live — and what kind of landscape might support that life?
Ecological landscape design begins with the understanding that we are not separate from the living world, but part of it. When thoughtfully shaped, the landscapes around our homes can support a genuine sense of belonging — places where daily life unfolds in relationship with land, season, and community. This does not require stepping away from contemporary life; rather, it asks how our gardens, smallholdings, and working landscapes might bring us back into connection, so that belonging becomes a lived experience.
Each landscape is shaped by the lives within it — by family rhythms, physical needs, cultural patterns, aspirations, and the unique character of the land itself. There is no single ideal habitat. My role is to work closely with you to understand both people and place, and to design landscapes that support resilience, beauty, and long-term ecological health.
My work is guided by a simple intention: to bring people and place into flourishing relationship, creating environments where both human and more-than-human life can thrive.
Recent projects
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Biodiverse small farm design
A regenerative farm and biodiverse edible landscape
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Crosswell house
A restorative garden design - a retreat for people and nature and a haven for wildlife, rich in habitat and biodiversity
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Richard John road community garden
A community garden project deep within the town of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
Working together
Getting to know a landscape is always the beginning. I spend time understanding its patterns and histories — where wildness meets cultivation, how water moves, which species are present, and what relationships already shape the ecology of the place. Listening carefully allows the deeper character of the land to emerge, along with the possibilities it holds.
Design is a process of weaving together the needs of both land and people. Every project asks how a landscape might reach its fullest potential while supporting the lives unfolding within it. There are always two dimensions to this work: designing in service of ecological health, and shaping environments that feel deeply supportive for those who call them home.
I work with clients who feel a genuine care for the living world and who wish to create places where biodiversity can strengthen and life can flourish — for humans and for the many other beings with whom we share these landscapes.
My practice is guided by clear ecological ethics. I do not recommend interventions that compromise the long-term health of a place or its wider web of relationships. We are living in a time of huge ecological instability, and thoughtful design carries a responsibility to respond with care, intelligence, and restraint.
At times, responsible stewardship may involve significant change — including earthworks or the considered use of new materials. Human influence has shaped most landscapes for millennia, and in some cases, carefully guided disturbance is necessary to restore resilience, biodiversity, and productivity. Each decision is approached with rigorous thought, ethical reflection, and a long-term view.
The most meaningful design processes emerge from a shared care for the living world. I work with people who feel a responsibility toward the land they steward, and who are open to shaping places that support long-term ecological health alongside human wellbeing.
This approach asks for curiosity, patience, and a willingness to see landscapes as evolving systems rather than fixed outcomes. It is particularly well suited to those seeking to cultivate biodiversity, deepen their relationship with place, and create environments that will continue to flourish for generations.
Not every project is the right fit — and that discernment is part of working responsibly. When values align, the design process becomes both grounded and deeply rewarding.
A strong client–designer relationship is at the heart of meaningful landscape transformation, and I take care to work with people whose values feel aligned with this approach.
I take on a limited number of projects each year in order to offer each landscape the depth of attention it deserves. Each landscape — and each client — is unique, but the structure below offers a sense of how we will move through the design journey together.
Stage 1 - survey
People survey
In-depth client interview/community consultation
Gathering historical and local knowledge to inform the design context
Identify a vision statement which encapsulates the dreams and aspirations for the project
Clarify the clients needs and wish list for the design
Site survey
In-depth land observations, including mapping microclimates, topography, vegetation, biodiversity, habitats to note, water flow, slope and aspect
Soil analysis (soil samples can be either carried out in-house or sent for formal detailed analysis dependent on project need)
Energy flow (sector) analysis – including sun, prevailing wind, water, traffic noise, pollution, view, movement of domesticated and wild animals etc.
Identifying available resources and limiting factors
Base map creation
Stage 2 - analysis
Identify the main functions, systems and elements of the design
Zone and flow analysis
Input – output analysis and relative location placement
Other permaculture tools as appropriate
Stage 3 - concept design
The design stage begins with a concept design, which is discussed with the clients to gather feedback
Stage 4 - detailed design and report
The A3 scale map will show an overview of all systems and is delivered in paper and online document. The map will be a blend of hand drawn/painted and digitally rendered, with a narrative accompanying and explaining the drawing
The design report includes all relevant information to move ahead with the design, including:
- a staged implementation plan (based upon the scale of permanence)
- ‘how to’ information, to offer guidance on how to get started on any new systems or elements within the design, with enough information to get started and links to resources to dive deeper
- estimated project costings
- a list of networks and organisations to source information, skills and resources from, including signposting to relevant training and extra support
- a range of other items may also be included, such as an overview of basic soil remediation approaches and any other information relevant to your site design
- Where useful, the design report can be delivered as a laminated booklet that you can take out into the field with you, at no extra cost
Stage 5 - Implementation
The design report and maps will then be passed over to the contractors to install – the clients can either choose to go with the contacts that we recommend or choose their own contractors if they wish
I will be available to discuss details with the implementation team to clarify any design details where needed
Stage 6 (optional) - mentoring and 1:1 training
· If you would feel it useful to have any extra mentoring at this stage I can offer specific training in anything included in the design. This may be getting started with propagating plants, developing composting systems or anything else relevant – either in person or online. Allocation for this time can be included in the quote or added at a later date
the design process
If this way of working resonates with you, you are warmly invited to make contact. An initial conversation offers space to explore your landscape, your hopes for it, and whether working together feels like the right next step.
