Test Valley Estate and Gardens, Hampshire

A whole-scale review of the estate was undertaken and a masterplan for future works established. Much of the estate runs along the course of the SSSI designated River Test, where a wide-ranging series of habitat enhancement schemes took place over a period of 4 years. Matthew worked closely with the client’s design team of planners, ecologists and engineers and developed a close relationship with the Hampshire Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency, throughout the sensitive negotiations.

The masterplan included the creation of a 7ha lake, with associated native planting, the design of private gardens adjacent to the new house, the removal of derelict watercress beds and creation of species rich water meadows.

Other new water elements were created for protected species, including appropriately planted habitat for species such as water voles and kingfishers. New woods and hedgerow planting also created substantial biodiversity enhancement.