We pledge to:
- Keep learning through CPD programmes, trusted collaborators and industry experts to keep up with rapid innovation and our understanding of the environmental crisis.
- Ask questions, demand transparency from suppliers and challenge preconceived ideas.
- Share knowledge we’ve acquired with peers, collaborators and clients.
- Campaign and use our voice to push for change within the industry and the community. We endeavour to communicate in a positive way and make time to celebrate, even the small wins.
- Stand with climate activists and scientists who demand business and political leaders act now. We have signed the Society of Garden Designers and Landscape Institute declaration of a climate emergency.
When we design we are mindful to:
- Design with a deep respect for the natural environment and its fragile ecosystems.
- Work with the existing to enhance, transform and retain where we can. This approach can help reduce costs and result in creative solutions and unique features. It also anchors the new scheme.
- Design timeless, context driven gardens that are built to last.
- Specify materials with longevity and provenance in mind; promote the use of good quality, noble and natural materials – use less but better.
- Design responsible, yet magical lighting schemes in accordance with the International Dark Skies guidance.
- Specify local suppliers and materials from the UK or Europe wherever possible.
- Reduce the amount of waste leaving site. Where waste is unavoidable, we make sure it is disposed of in a responsible way.
- Avoid over-engineering and resource-hungry features.
- Minimise hard surfaces and maximise planting.
- Promote water conservation and management through SuDS, Rain Gardens, permeable surfaces and rainwater harvesting.
- Specify green and brown roofs where possible.
- Value soil and soil health with the ‘No Dig’ approach. Engage with builders and architects to minimise soil compaction.
- Encourage the creation of green corridors instead of fencing. Where fencing is required, we integrate hedgehog highways.
- Design in ecological features to provide solutions where possible.
- Encourage a custodian mentality in our clients.
Recent studies have shown that there is more biodiversity in private gardens than in the UK’s countryside and parks. Gardens can be mini nature reserves which collectively, especially if connected, can play a huge role in reversing biodiversity loss.
Our planting design follows these principles:
- We support the Landscape Institute, RHS and Society of Garden Designers ‘SAY NO to Plastic Grass and Plants’ campaign.
- Apply the “Right Plant, Right Place” principle for healthy plants which require less maintenance.
- Include native species where possible, but also understand that diversity is key for planting schemes to be resilient to climate change.
- Plan for unpredictable future weather including flood and drought tolerant mixes.
- We never use astroturf or artificial plants. We are pledging to use more seeds, alongside potted plants.
- Source plants from reputable nurseries which work to high standards and comply to strict biosecurity checks. We use a mix of large nurseries and small specialist ones.
- Provide nectar and shelter for a wide range of pollinators throughout the year and the different stages of their life cycle.
- We only specify peat free and organic compost.
- We recommend our gardens are maintained by professional gardeners that share our vision. Including discouraging the use of herbicides and pesticides.
As a small team ourselves, we know that even the little things can make a big difference.
In the office we:
- Keep printing and paper use to a minimum. We are an (almost) paper-free office with most of our files being stored electronically.
- Favour cycling, walking or public transport and keep driving to a minimum. We travel by train over plane whenever possible. We love a train journey at Moss!
- Use Ecosia instead of Google for our web searches.
- Our website is hosted by Green Geeks and powered by renewable energy.