A wide variety of environmental improvements are designed and implemented as part of the Council's programme to enhance the landscape quality of the District. Typical projects include schemes to village centres; reclamation of derelict land; canal and woodland walks and landscapes around buildings.

 

To make best use of the Council's resources, schemes are often developed in partnership with other bodies such as the County Council, Parish Councils and British Waterways. The Council has also been very successful in obtaining financial assistance from grant-awarding bodies such as the Countryside Agency. Designs aim to respect and complement local character and materials. Sometimes environmental artworks are incorporated into schemes to reflect local history and create interesting focal points. Great care is taken to conserve and improve the nature conservation value of the particular site.

 

When schemes are prepared, the local community is consulted through public exhibitions and meetings to ensure that their views are taken into account.

 

Detailed design includes "hard" landscape elements such paving, walls or fencing; "soft" landscape i.e. planting, and other landscape structures such as decking, footbridges, seating and water-features.