Creating a Public Garden for All to Enjoy

A public garden may be set up by the city or it could be designed for a residential space. With enclosed residential areas, you can easily find what people need in the area, but a good garden will be ready for anyone.

Consider the Uses

What are people going to use the garden for? Some may simply sit and relax, others may bring small children to run around. Others will use it as a space to walk their dogs or to jog through. There are many different ways to enjoy a garden and these are best thought of before you begin your design. 

Create Open Areas

While the plants are certainly an important part of making a public garden beautiful and inviting, you should also leave some open space. Areas, where there is only grass, are ideal for playing with a toddler or for young people to toss a ball. Giving them room to move around will mean more people come to the garden. You should ensure the grass planted is very hardy, as it will be used frequently.

Add Seating

While most people will find it relaxing to sit on the grass, seating is a good idea for those who prefer being up. They’ll appreciate a bench or two, but feel free to add swings or a gazebo with seating to provide some shade.

Give People Something to Do

Gardens are lovely and they can certainly be a good place to spend some downtime. However, they can get boring if there’s nothing to do. Consider adding chess tables, noughts and crosses, stepping stones, and arches or tunnels to explore. Many of these ideas are simple enough to implement in any public garden, but they can make a big difference in how the area feels.

Add Water

Water features are also popular. From ponds and fountains to waterfalls and splash pads, there’s something for everyone. Even a basic rock river can be a fun addition to the space.

Get In Touch

Need more information on creating a beautiful public garden for your community? Contact Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology for tips and ideas.

The Best Trees to Plant Near Roads

The Best Trees to Plant Near Roads

There’s nothing more beautiful than an avenue with beautiful trees planted along with it. Unfortunately, some trees can be problematic, due to aggressive roots or overhead electrical lines. This means landscapers must take care when choosing the right tree to plant along roads.

Choosing a Tree

Before you plant a tree, consider the final height. Will this interfere with nearby electric lines or structures? The tree may be trimmed to keep it smaller, but this will require ongoing upkeep and should also be considered before you make the final decision.

You’ll also need to look at the amount of space available. Are you planting on the meridian? Will the tree be part of the sidewalk or a small front garden? The amount of space available will determine the type of tree you choose. Anything that is planted near walking spaces should be tall enough to allow people to walk beneath its branches, but you also want to avoid anything too tall that will affect light posts, building fronts, signs, and other infrastructure.

Popular Trees for Roadside Planting

The following trees are ideal for street planting, but you still need to consider the previously mentioned factors when choosing them.

Koelreuteria paniculate (Golden Rain Tree)

A shorter tree, the Golden Rain tree is quite decorative. It provides yellow flowers in the spring and later features beautiful red fruits that dangle from the tree throughout the autumn. It can also manage well in urban areas, provided it has plenty of sun and drainage.

Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree)

This beautiful tree features fan-shaped leaves that change colour in the fall. The tree can get rather tall, but it is very good at growing in difficult situations.

Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum)

Another hardy tree with lovely shaped leaves (star-shaped this time) provides beautiful autumn colours. It keeps its leaves longer than other similar trees, which means you’ll have longer periods of foliage throughout the year. It grows slowly, so it is ideal for city use.

Get in Touch

Any of these trees will enhance the beauty of the street while giving a fresher feel to the area. If you are interested in learning more about trees in landscaping, contact Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology.

How Can a Landscape Architect Help Maximise Outdoor Space?

When planning a landscape design project it can be challenging to know how to make the best use of space. There are a number of factors to consider including the environmental impact of the project and the ways in which the project will improve the designated site. Working with a landscape architect can help you reach your goals for a landscape development project in a sustainable manner that ensure biodiversity is maintained on the designated site. A landscape architect can design and implement plans such as green infrastructure strategies in order to ensure that sustainability is prioritised in a local area.

There are a a number of steps that a landscape architect can assist with throughout the process including detailed planning submissions, landscape assessments and appraisals, and detailed hard and soft design schemes. Read more for some further information on the some of the ways in which a landscape architect can help with these steps.

Landscape Appraisal

A landscape appraisal assesses a designated site based on relevant criteria to begin understanding the potential impacts of a project on the biodiversity and ecology of the immediate environment. An experienced landscape architect has an understanding of the ways in which different aspects of the project will effect the ecology of the site. Overall, a landscape appraisal is intended to establish the viability of a project.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

A landscape and visual impact assessment is intended to assess the impact of a project on a site from a number of standpoints. This is an important step in the process of making a planning application as it establishes the impact of a project visually as well as providing an initial understanding on the impact of the project on the biodiversity and ecology of the landscape. Landscape architects have experience in assisting with these aspects of planning applications and have a clear understanding of the types of projects which work well in different settings.

Green Infrastructure Strategies

A green infrastructure strategy is intended to maximise sustainability within a natural environment. This could include steps to improve air quality, purify water and provide or improve natural spaces. There are a wide range of settings where green infrastructure strategies might be implemented. These strategies are an important step for many councils in reaching carbon neutral goals. Relating to areas such as parks, woodlands and coastal pathways, these strategies improve natural environments and ensure that a sustainable and evinromentally-friendly approach is prioritised.

Whole Estate Plan

One service that a landscape architect can help with is in providing a Whole Estate Plan. There estate plan is designed to address a number of considerations relating to factors such as sustainability, pressures from visitors and adaption of rural businesses. This can help individual land owning organisations in working with the National Park Authority to ensure that the ambitions of the organisation are compatible with the purposes of the National Park.

Contact Us

To discuss your next project with our expert team of landscape architects at Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology call 01903 216033 or email us at lizard.landscape@btconnect.com

What Are Landscape Management Services?

Landscape management services are intended to assist with the sustainability, biodiversity and ecology of a landscape to help meet present and future needs. There are a number of considerations when drawing up long term management plans for a landscape including the functionality, biodiversity and natural beauty of a landscape. Once the plan has been implemented, a monitoring service is important to ensure that the required standards are being met.

The first step in putting together a longterm management plan is carrying out a landscape appraisal and assessment. This helps provide an initial idea of the biodiversity that will need to be maintained as well as key steps that will need to be taken to maintain different aspects of the landscape. In some cases, a longterm strategy might relate to restoring a landscape.

Read more for some further information on the ways in which a landscape architect can assist with putting together a long term landscape management plan.

Landscape Audit

A landscape audit contributes key information to a longterm plan for landscape management. This assessment can establish the challenges that are present in managing a landscape and also identify the key factors that should be prioritised in a strategy to maintain biodiversity and ensure a sustainable approach. This is a key step in ensuring that sustainability is prioritised as it will establish steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that biodiversity is maintained in addition to establish if anything will need to be removed from a site from an ecological standpoint in a longterm landscape management plan.

New Designs and Development

There are a number of ways in which landscape development plans can impact on a site. When creating a landscape management plan it is important to assess the scope and impact of any future plans and steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact on biodiversity and ecology. By providing assessments of the landscape, it is possible to ensure that development plans are compatible with sustainability and biodiversity goals for a given site.

Change of Usage

One example of a situation where a new landscape plan might be implemented is if an area is opened up to the public. This will introduce a number of factors for a given site which will need to be managed. It is important to have a clear understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of a site before making changes to its usage. This ensures that the effectiveness of a given management plan can be monitored accurately over time. In addition to opening sites to the public other changes of usage could relate to habitat creation or nature conservation.

Get in Touch

To discuss landscape management services with our experienced team and Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology call 01903 216033 or email us at lizard.landscape@btconnect.com and one of our team will get back to you.

The Importance of an Ecological Approach to Landscape Design

When planning a landscape design project one of the key considerations is the ecological impact. There are a number of ways in which landscape development projects can impact on the immediate environment and for this reason, receiving an ecological survey is an important step in the process of planing a project. By working alongside specialist ecological consultants it is possible to develop a plan for a design project centred around reducing the ecological impact on the immediate natural environment.

In many landscape design projects, taking an approach centred around maintaining the ecology of the natural environment is necessary to gaining planning permission. In cases where protected species habitats are present in the environment of the project it is necessary to obtain a European Protected Species Mitigation licence. Working alongside experienced ecologists is a key step in undertaking surveys and ensuring that the plan for a project mitigates the impact on protected species and that the criteria for an EPSM license are met.

Read more for some further information on steps to minimise the impact on the local ecology of landscape design projects.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is one of the first steps taken in understanding the ecological component of a landscape design project and includes an ecological desk study, a Phase 1 habitat survey and a protected species assessment. The ecological desk study involves gathering existing data on the site of the planned landscape design project. A Phase 1 habitat survey is an ecological survey which provides an initial assessment of a site identifying habitats that are present recording information such as the abundance of plant species in each habitat in addition to evidence of protected or priority species present on the designated site.

These steps provide the necessary information to gain an initial picture to begin planning a project from an ecological perspective. Following this, if relevant, a protected species survey will provide information on the requirements for mitigating the impact of a design project on protected species. These surveys are required by law if the PEA identifies evidence of protected species at the designated site and in this case will need to be submitted with the planning application.

Ecological Impact Assessment

An Ecological Impact Assessment provides a detailed appraisal of the potential impacts of a project on the immediate ecological environment. These assessments build on information gathered in the PEA to provide information which can be used to guide a landscape development project. There are a number of factors which relate to how the impact of a project is defined including factors such as the reversibility and extent of the impact.

Contact Us

Our experienced team of ecological specialists at Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology can provide ecological surveys and consultation services in planning a project from an ecological standpoint. A component of this assistance is providing consultation on developing a sustainable plan for a landscape design project which mitigates the impact on protected species and meets the required criteria for an EPSM license. To get in touch to discuss a landscape design project with us call 01903 216033 or email us at lizard.landscape@btconnect.com.

Is My Tree Alright? 5 Signs You Need An Arborist

Many people just leave their trees alone when it comes to garden maintenance. They assume that trees don’t need any looking after and instead focus on plants, flowers, crops, bushes and grass. This is understandable, for the most part, trees are quite self-sustainable, needing little assistance to flourish. But over time you may start to notice your trees aren’t looking as they used to and this is where you may need an arboriculturist, also known as an arborist.

Here are five signs you may need an arborist for your tree.

Unruly

If the branches of your tree are beginning to spread out quite far and get out of control, an arborist can help. They’ll know precisely what branches to cut to get the tree under control without accidentally prohibiting new growth.

Noises

If your tree is under pressure, it may start to make a cracking sound, which indicates there may be limbs breaking. So if you hear your tree making any odd noises, it’s time to call in an arborist to take a look at it.

Decaying

If your roots appear weakened or are overrun with pests, it is vital to call in an arborist. If the roots of a tree are weak, they will find it difficult or impossible to get the nutrients they need. Root damage can cause the trunk of a tree to die quickly, stopping it from remaining attached to the ground and falling over.

Dying

If you have noticed branches or even the whole tree appears to be dying, then it’s time to call in an arborist. From a purely aesthetic point of view, a dead tree is an ugly thing to have in your garden, but it can also be a hazard. A dead tree is more likely to topple over, which could hurt somebody or damage property.

Drooping

If your tree is drooping, you may need an arborist to help you diagnose and fix the issue. Drooping is caused by a number of reasons, including stump damage, soil degradation and unhealthy roots. A drooping tree is prone to falling over, so you may want to consider having it dug up if the trunk is bent at 15 degrees or more.

Arboriculture Services From Experts

If you think you have an issue with a tree on your property, get in touch with the experts at Lizard Landscape Design. We provide arboricultural services to our clients, including arboricultural impact assessments, tree surveys and tree risk assessments. Our tree assessments look at the size, condition, species, crown spread and stem diameter, as well as looking out for any telltale signs of issues.

So get in touch today on 01903 216033 to talk to one of our arborists about the issues you are facing, or visit our website now to find out more about the services we offer, including landscape design.

How To Keep Kids Inspired During Break & Lunchtime

Whether you’re a headteacher who wants kids to have a productive day or a teacher who wants to keep kids inspired for when they’re back in the classroom, break and lunch are a vital part of the school day. You want kids to stay inspired throughout the day, and not come back from break and lunch feeling lethargic and not ready to learn.

Here’s how to keep kids inspired during break and lunchtime.

Put On Activities

While some make the most of the freedom they can experience during break and lunch, putting on activities is a great way for people to enjoy their time in a slightly more structured way. This could be a designated reading session in the library or a football tournament. This also gives children the chance to engage in PE activities with different year groups. Make sure these activities are accessible to all who want to be involved, and students can drop in and out of them so they don’t feel confined by obligation.

Healthy & Nutritious Lunches

You want to make sure the food your school provides to students is both healthy and nutritious. Unhealthy favourites like pizza and chips are great for a small burst of energy but will leave kids crashing with no fuel left later in the day. Similarly just stocking healthy options can make kids feel bored and unexcited at lunchtime.

The best solution is to strike a balance between healthy, nutritious and enjoyable. This could be incorporating fruit and vegetables in interesting ways. Some unhealthy favourites are okay, as long as this is not all the child is eating.

Create Engaging Spaces

For some kids, the chance to get outside during break and lunchtime is one of the highlights of the day. So why make them enjoy themselves on a plain concrete slab or desolate field? Use engaging and entertaining spaces for kids to play and socialise in. A mixture of furniture, space and nature can create an inspiring location for kids to stay inspired and have fun during their lunch break.

Professional Landscape Planning For Schools

If you’re looking to reinvigorate your school's outside spaces and put a focus on natural elements, work with Lizard Landscape Design. We work to create spaces that combine practicality, nature and fun. This could be anything from an outside seating area, to a playground that incorporates the natural world.

We have plenty of experience working with schools of all sizes to create bespoke landscapes specifically tailored to your needs and space to create spaces that children will feel inspired to interact with during break and lunchtime. So get in touch today by calling 01903 216033 to begin your journey to create a stimulating, inspiring and sustainable environment. Visit our website now to find out how we combine landscape design with ecology and arboricultural services.

Ways To Keep Trees Healthy

Whether you’re a business with a green area or just a homeowner with a garden, you want to keep the plants in your outside space as happy and healthy as possible. And while many take good care of their plants, trees often go unnoticed and unloved. People do just assume that trees can stay healthy by themselves, so often just leave them alone to naturally grow. But you should be working to care for your trees along with all other plant life in your garden.

So here are some ways to ensure your trees are kept healthy.

Watering

Most adult trees get enough water from rainfall, but if you have recently planted a tree or it is still young, you must keep it watered. You need to wet deep enough around the tree so always water it, allow it to dry and then water again to ensure it is fully saturated. In the summer seasons when there are long periods of no rain, you should also try to water your mature trees every once in a while.

Pruning

Pruning trees every once in a while actually improves their health, enhancing the structure and strength of your tree. Brittle, damaged or diseased branches can be cut away for stronger ones to take their place.

Grass & Mulch

You should strive to keep grass from growing up against the trunk of your tree. Grass will steal the air, water and nutrients that should be going to the tree instead. You should use mulch to maintain a grass-free area around the trunk. Apply around 2-3 inches of mulch under the canopy of the seed. Along with keeping grass away, it reduces weeds, improves soil texture and conserves moisture for the tree.

Young Tree Care

Mature trees generally need less care than young trees, where a lot more work is done to keep them healthy. Ensure you’re planting a tree that is well adapted to the environment it is in, considering the soil type, light and space around it. It may require occasional fertilising while it grows, which you can tell by doing a soil test to confirm exactly what nutrients you need.  If you’re using stakes to help it grow, try to remove them as soon as the tree can stand alone. Trees allowed to sway in the wind develop stronger trunks.

Arboriculture Services From Lizard Landscape Design

While you can try your best to keep your trees healthy, you may notice nothing seems to be working. This is the time to call in an arboriculturalist, such as from the team at Lizard Landscape Design. We can conduct tree assessments to glean information about the condition of the tree and find out what it needs. We’ll put all this information into one of our tree surveys, which you can then use as a guide to help your tree flourish.

So get in touch today by calling 01903 216033 to talk through your arboriculture needs with one of our experts. We offer a range of ecology services, along with landscape planning, so visit our website now to find out more about us.

What is Arboriculture & Why is it So Important?

The natural world is vital to the continuation of human life on the planet. We rely on natural resources to breathe, eat, construct and hundreds of other applications. That is why it is vital to take care of the world around us. One way we do this is through horticulture.

Horticulture is the art of cultivating plants to produce medicinal ingredients, food and ensure they remain healthy. Horticulture can be further divided into areas of focus, each working with a different type of plant. One of these is arboriculture.

But what is agriculture and why is it so important? Read on to find one.

The History of Horticulture

As previously mentioned, arboriculture is one of the subsets of horticulture, which is the art of cultivating plants. While some of the modern science behind horticulture is new, the study and practice has been traced back thousands of years.

It first began when human communities stopped living as primarily hunter-gatherer communities and began to think about the prime conditions for growing crops. Nowadays we know the exact scientific reasons why some conditions are more optimal than others for growing crops, but the first examples of horticulture were civilisations simply finding enhancements naturally, such as natives in the Pre-Columbian Amazon Rainforest using a type of charcoal to enhance soil productivity.

Arboriculturalist’s & Tree Surveys

Arboriculture is one of the specific areas of horticulture that focuses on the cultivation, management and study of shrubs, vines, wood plants and most commonly trees. An arboriculturalist, or arborist for short, is a person who studies or practises arboriculture.

There are quite a few cultural techniques that an arborist uses:

●      Selection: This is the art of picking the kind of trees, shrubs, vines or other plants to plant in an area. An arborist will take into account plenty of things when selecting plants such as ground conditions, water sources, potential height and width, risk of planting etc.

●      Planting: Once the wildlife has been selected, it is time for the planting. While some see this as an easy job, an arborist has specialised knowledge of how to plant different types of wildlife for optimum growth and cultivation.

●      Training: While a tree, shrub or other piece of wildlife is growing, an arborist can help to train it to specific behaviour. This could be the direction it grows and managing it to grow at its best potential.

●      Pruning & Shaping: Associated with the training of plants, this also helps to aid with the growth. Pruning can help a tree or shrub grow back fuller than ever, so cutting back a little can actually have a big benefit in the long run. It can also remove diseased, damaged, dead or unwanted material. Shaping is also essential, especially if a plant begins to grow in the wrong direction and needs managing. Shaping can also be used to create artistic shapes with plant matter, some common examples being bonsai trees and the creation of natural wooden chairs.

●      Fertilisation: An arborist can work to fertilise plants properly, using the exact materials in the right amounts to stimulate the growth of each specific plants.

●      Removal: If trees or other plants post a danger to the surrounding lands, or need removing for any reason, an arborist can safely remove the plant without harming any surrounding wildlife.

●      Tree Survey: An arborist can generate a tree survey, analysing the health of a tree which can later be used as evidence.

A similar job is a tree surgeon, but this is someone who is more trained in the maintenance and manipulation of trees and not the wider arboriculture field.

An arborist can play a big role in matters of town planning, as in the United Kingdom trees are a material consideration and may be conserved as amenity landscape features. An arborist can identify trees of high qualities and decide they may need preserving in an area that somebody wants to build over.

The Importance of Arboriculture

Arboriculture is very important to the planet, focusing on keeping nature healthy and maintaining green spaces. Trees act as a filter for dust and pollution while also absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the air, so it is essential they are kept healthy to benefit the health of the public. As well as physical health benefits, trees are also great for mental health, helping to reduce stress.

Another reason arboriculture is important is because it preserves habitats. Most woodland spaces are home to a wide range of wildlife, with plants offering shelter and food to them all. If trees and plant life isn't kept healthy, animals will migrate to other areas or begin to die off. Other benefits to the environment is reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. Healthy wildlife acts as a natural barrier against flooding, while also helping maintain great soil conditions.

It’s important trees are maintained for aesthetic purposes. Nobody wants to be surrounded by unkempt bushes, dead trees and dying wildlife. You want to be able to walk through a beautiful green space unhindered by any decay. Arborists can make sure parks and other green spaces look amazing. Having a healthy park near your home also increases the property prices, making the upkeep of trees good for the economy and housing market.

Another way arboriculture aids the economy is through harvesting of resources. By recruiting arborists to plant wildlife and allow it to flourish to the best of its abilities, you’ll maximise the yield of resources at harvesting. Arborists can also advise on the best ways to harvest and plant new resources to have as little impact on the environment as possible.

Different Types of Horticulture

While arboriculture is important to the natural world, it is only one of the several major areas of horticulture. Some of the other types include:

●      Pomology - The branch of botany that focuses on the production of fruits and nuts.  It studies the development, enhancement and cultivation of fruit trees to improve the quality and reduce production costs.

●      Olericulture - The production of vegetables, dealing with the culture of herbaceous plants for edible parts. Olericulture is then divided into nine major categories to differentiate different types of vegetables.

●      Floriculture - This is the discipline that deals with the cultivation of ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry. It includes everything from houseplants, cut flowers to gardens and cultivates greens.

●      Viticulture - While pomology focuses on the production of fruits, viticulture is the specialised cultivation and harvesting of grapes. Grapes have a lot of work that goes into them to make them grow successfully, including controlling pests, irrigation, fertilisation, pruning and deciding when to harvest.

●      Landscape Horticulture: This is the selection, production and care of plants specifically used in landscape architecture.

●      Postharvest Physiology: This specialised area deals with managing harvested crops to stop spoilage while stored or transported.

Arboriculture Surveys & Services From Lizard Landscape Design

Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology is a chartered consultancy of landscape planners, tree surveyors, ecological consultants and landscape architects. We put sustainability at the heart of our projects, working to retain and protect the natural environment by incorporating it into the work that we do.

As well as landscape planning, we also provide expert arboriculture services. We generate objective, detailed and well-presented documents that will use non-technical language to present our findings. We can then provide advice for development projects based on the report and using our extensive knowledge of the industry.

The arboriculture services we offer include tree surveys, arboricultural impact assessments and tree risk assessments. Our tree surveys assess the size, species, condition, crown spread and stem diameter of trees within or near a development. Our team of professional arboriculturists then generate an arboricultural impact assessment that analyses any risks the trees may face, including the risk of falling, the health of the tree and more.

We can then provide you with tree and woodland management plans, replacement and enhancement tree planting proposals, applications for tree preservation and conservation, tree constraints and tree protection plans.

If you’re trying to make a planning application for an area of development, a detailed risk assessment on the condition of the trees in the area can help make this application a success. We can also provide these services in combination with our landscape design services to offer a comprehensive package to our clients.

So if you need arboriculture services from an expert team for both the private and public sector, get in touch today on 01903 216033. To find out more about the range of projects and services we have on offer, visit our website now.

What Are The Benefits Of Renewable Energy?

Development projects have the potential to damage our natural environment, therefore at Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology, sustainability is at the forefront of our ethos. Working with clients and design teams, we seek to retain and protect the natural environment of woodland, trees, hedgerows and grassland through sustainable land usage.

One way we can all do our part in protecting the environment by utilising renewable energy when possible, and this blog will detail some tangible benefits of switching over to such energy sources. From the generation of employment throughout The United Kingdom, to the reduction of dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, here are the reasons we should be sitting up and taking notice of renewable energy.

Renewable Energy Explained

Whereas traditional energy sources like oil and coal accelerate climate change by releasing greenhouse gases when burned, renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replenished and infinite, such as the sun and wind. Renewable energy either doesn’t emit carbon or absorbs as much carbon as it emits, rendering it carbon neutral and therefore sustainable. With assurances that all of The UK's electricity will come from clean sources by 2035, familiarising yourself with the benefits before renewable energy becomes even more commonplace isn’t a bad idea at all.

Five of the most prominent forms of renewable energy are:

●      Solar energy produced by the sun.

●      Geothermal energy produced by the heat from inside the earth.

●      Biomass from plants.

●      Wind energy.

●      Hydropower produced by flowing water.

Throughout human history, biomass has been the most prominent energy source, with plants long being burned for heat and used to feed animals. Energy sources which are non-renewable began replacing most renewable energy usage in the early-19th century, and this has continued into the 21st century.

The Creation Of Jobs And Economic Development

Environmentalists and economists argue that the renewable energy industry could play a huge role in developing economies, with suggestions that the British economy could benefit from billions in investment, while thousands of jobs could be created in succession. It is anticipated that Scottish Power will invest billions in the UK’s renewable energy industry in the coming years, which is also expected to produce plenty of employment opportunities in the process.

Unlike the mechanised fossil fuels industry, the renewable energy industry is labour intensive, therefore it creates more jobs. By having a people-driven workforce, the renewables sector continually invests in the creation of jobs. Playing an integral role in helping to offset the impact of climate change, the renewable energy industry is at the forefront of technological development with a range of employment opportunities arising within the sector for a variety of skill sets.

Less Air Pollution

Burning fossil fuels emits pollutants into the air, contributing to the formation of smog and acid rain among other harmful conditions. Burning these fossil fuels also emits greenhouse gases into the air. pollutants which not only wreak havoc on the environment, but harm our health as well.

Some of the most significant impacts that non-renewables have is on air quality. Renewable energy sources help to improve air quality and human health by supplying electricity or heat without combustion. As a result of this, technologies such as wind power, heat pumps and solar thermal energy are most effective at cutting air pollutant emissions.

Less Reliance On Fossil Fuels

Because they were formed from the fossilised and buried remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago (hence the name), fossil fuels have a high carbon content and are therefore potentially harmful to the modern environment - arguably none moreso than coal which has many more harmful combustion products than others.

In addition to the dangerous properties of coal, we cannot continue burning oil and gas if we are to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis, and renewable energy is the best alternative to this harmful energy source. Disturbing information also suggests that fossil fuel corporations have known about the scale of the climate threat for decades, yet they spent millions on campaigns to cover it up. Turning to sustainable sources could help to stamp out this misinformation for good.

Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gases are the gases in the planet’s atmosphere that produce the greenhouse effect, with most greenhouse gases either appearing naturally or produced by a man-​made source. The reduction of greenhouse gases means working towards a reliance on low-carbon, renewable energy sources in practical ways, and achieving the goal of operating a zero-carbon electricity system.

Climate change influences not only rising average temperatures but also extreme weather conditions worldwide and rising sea levels. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere which would otherwise escape into space, accelerating this prominent issue. When discussing climate change, utilising renewable energy is almost always mentioned as a change we can implement to stave off the worst effects of rising temperatures.

Potential Savings On Energy Bills

As of 2022, around 33 per cent of the energy used in the UK comes from green sources, and there's a prime opportunity to save money by joining in and going green. Solar energy is perhaps one of the best ways to save money and help the planet at the same time. Effectively an infinite source of renewable energy which can heat your home and generate electricity, it can be expensive to begin with, but you’re likely to save money long-term.

Hydroelectric power is another source of renewable energy, while geothermal energy contained in the earth can save electricity and is a great source of renewable energy. Although not available to everyone, Wind is also a renewable energy that we can make the most of if we live in an area that makes this possible through sustainable land usage. Individuals can invest in wind turbines of their own, or even opt in as a community group acting together. Sometimes it may even be possible to pay for these turbines as part of a larger commercial wind farm development, which reduces the burden of construction and planning costs.

Infinite Energy That Won’t ‘Run Out’

The fact that non-renewables are finite means that these energy sources will eventually run out, whereas renewable energy sources are limitless. Non-renewable energy comes from sources that will not be replenished in our lifetimes, coal, petroleum and natural gas being just several examples.

Hydropower constitutes power produced by moving water. This helps create electricity by turning turbines under the sea or by using water stored in a dam. Similarly wind energy is produced by wind turning turbines, creating electricity in the process. Solar panels collect energy from the sun, while geothermal energy is generated by volcanic activity, when steam can power generators and create electricity.

Are You Seeking Landscape Management or an Environmental Impact Survey? Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology can Help

Established in 2001 in Worthing, West Sussex, Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology is a chartered consultancy of landscape architects, landscape planners, ecological consultants and tree surveyors with a core focus on landscape management and ecological commissions for public sector education, property clients and development projects. Contact us to find out more about our services, which range from landscape design consultancy, to environmental impact surveys assessing land usage.

We offer specialist ecological services to complete your landscape development project and assist in determining the ecological impact a development could have on its environment. Our ecological consultants have decades of experience performing ecological surveys.