Project Overview

Civils and Environmental Ltd were appointed to deliver a commercial landscaping refurbishment scheme, including pond removal, ground stabilisation, gravel surfacing, planting installation, and reception area enhancement.

The project was designed to improve the visual appearance, safety, and long-term maintainability of the site’s main landscaped area and entrance reception zone, while managing risks associated with utilities, pedestrians, and HGV movements.

Pre-Construction Planning & Risk Management

Prior to commencement, the following control measures were implemented:

Utility & Service Identification

• General utility searches undertaken

• Company utility drawings requested

• CAT scan required prior to groundworks

• All underground services to be clearly marked before excavation

(CAT scan noted as not completed at document stage — to be undertaken prior to excavation works.)

Health & Safety Compliance

• Full H&S documentation and RAMS completion

• Chapter 8 barriers or Heras fencing installed

• Segregation of HGV routes and pedestrian areas

• Clear exclusion zones established

Given the interaction between heavy vehicles and pedestrians, traffic management and physical segregation were critical components of safe delivery.

Main Landscaped Area – Pond Removal & Ground Improvement

Vegetation Clearance & Pathway Removal

The first phase included:

• Removal of trees and hedges surrounding the existing ponded area

• General vegetation clearance

• Removal of diagonal pathway

• Responsible disposal of green waste

All hedge stumps were treated with high-strength weed/stump killer to prevent regrowth and reduce future maintenance requirements.

Pond Removal & Backfilling

The existing pond was decommissioned and removed.

Works included:

• Draining and isolating pond infrastructure

• (Electrician required separately for electrical disconnection)

• Excavation and removal of pond liner and base

• Backfilling using MOT Type 1 (10-ton allowance due to unknown depth)

• Compaction in layers to reduce settlement risk

Proper backfilling and compaction ensures long-term ground stability and prevents future surface collapse.

Ground Preparation & Gravel Installation (162m²)

To improve drainage and reduce maintenance:

• 100mm of existing grass and topsoil removed

• Formation level prepared

• Geotextile membrane installed

• 100mm layer of clean gravel installed

Geotextile membrane prevents weed growth while allowing water infiltration, improving longevity and site drainage performance.

This system provides a durable, low-maintenance landscape finish suitable for commercial premises.

Installation of Circular Feature & Patio Area

Sandstone Circular Patio (1.8m Diameter)

A new circular feature was constructed to enhance visual impact and create a defined planting area.

Works included:

• Excavation to suitable depth

• Sub-base preparation

• Installation of sandstone circular patio (1.8m diameter)

• Alignment and finishing to level tolerance

Sandstone provides:

✔ Natural aesthetic appeal
✔ Slip resistance
✔ Long lifespan in external environments

Planting Installation

Within the new circular feature:

• New plants and tree installed

• Compost-rich root zone preparation

• Tree staking for structural support

• Backfill and watering

This enhances the professional appearance of the reception landscaping while promoting healthy root establishment.

Entrance Area – Gravel Installation (Approx. 145m²)

The entrance zone was upgraded to improve presentation and reduce ongoing grass maintenance.

Works included:

• Removal of 100mm grass and topsoil

• Preparation of subgrade

• Installation of geotextile membrane

• Installation of 100mm gravel surfacing (approx. 145m²)

All entrance hedges removed and treated with high-strength weed/stump killer to eliminate future regrowth.

The result provides a clean, professional, low-maintenance entrance consistent with commercial property standards.

Environmental & Safety Considerations

✔ Utility searches conducted prior to excavation
✔ Segregated working zones using Chapter 8 barriers
✔ HGV and pedestrian risk management
✔ Safe removal of pond infrastructure
✔ Weed prevention measures
✔ Controlled waste disposal

Where pond electrics were present, disconnection was identified as requiring a qualified electrician prior to removal.

Project Outcome & Benefits

✔ Removal of redundant pond and overgrown landscaping
✔ Improved drainage via geotextile and gravel system
✔ Reduced long-term grounds maintenance costs
✔ Enhanced visual appeal of reception and main grounds
✔ Stabilised ground conditions using MOT backfill
✔ Professionally finished circular sandstone feature