1.4 Landscape Site Analysis

Habitat and Ecology

The historic tree planting and avenues pepper the north half of the site. Many are now veteran trees and although some have significant structural defects, they hold high value ecologically.

The field in the middle of the site was let for pasture, but this is no longer in positive management and the ground is rank grassland which has wet boggy areas particularly at the lowest point on the west of the site.

The arable field within the south is a managed landscape, crop production is the main use and there are a lack of landscape features.

The west and south boundaries are enclosed by mixed hedgerows and large hedgerow trees. The boundary around both houses and the walled garden have dense areas of vegetation with a variety of smaller trees.

An ecological survey has been carried out and it assesses Ladyfield as having 3 ecological zones. Refer to Appendix 7.4

Zone 1: Woodland

Mainly to the northern part of the site. This is regarded as being of high ecological value currently, and the recommendations are to retain and protect existing trees and to enhance with low-level planting and succession tree planting.

Zone 2: Neutral Grassland

Covering the northern and mid section of the site it has moderate ecological value. The recommendation is to retain existing trees, enhancing roosting for bats and improve grassland diversity with wildflowers.

Zone 3: Arable

Deemed as being of low ecological value currently. The recommendations are to retain and improve existing hedgerows, and plant native species as part of the new landscape proposals in this area.