‘Natural capital ‘is the world’s stock of natural resources which are essential for people: these include geology, soils, air, water and all living organisms.

These assets provide us with a wide range of goods and services which underpin our economy and communities – ‘ecosystem services ‘.  [Green Halo]  Working with The Green Halo, ep architects promote the natural aspects of all our projects and would encourage you all to become members of Green Halo (no cost) and learn more about the subject.

These are the gifts nature gives us.

Examples of ecosystem services are:

• economic resources we use such as water, timber or food.
• the role plants and trees play in removing pollutants from the atmosphere.
• the contribution habitats in the upper catchment of rivers can make to protecting urban areas downstream from flooding.
• Income from local tourism which is particularly important in our region.
• Health benefits people gain from spending time in the outdoors.

In our opinion, a tree, hedge or meadow should have a value and often more than that of the house or nearby building, but of course in the modern world this is simply not the case. Built assets have a value which are sometimes inflated by demand, but natural assets seldom carry a value other than the obvious contribution to wellbeing and visual delight.

So, should a 200-year-old Oak tree carry a value as well as a Tree Preservation Order? We feel they should and not be sacrificed during development, however much the new building or infrastructure may be required. Surely, we can plan around such assets and incorporate, or indeed make such a tree the focus of any new development.

This rationale is not often adopted by design teams and developers and yet one suspects every landscape architect in the land would support the thought. So, lets please discuss this and raise the importance of Natural Capital when developing land or sites with such assets. Treating our natural assets with more respect and in a manner that feels fair and reasonable whatever your priorities and opinions makes sense, and we would hope something we can all support.

Our team here at ep architects are fortunate to have had extensive experience integrating landscape and prioritising biophilic and living environments in projects, this includes planting semi-mature trees and extensive wildflower meadows and roofing wherever feasible. Making sure the budgets include for good quality, indigenous planting and enhancement and retention (including protection during construction works) of any existing trees and natural asset is a mindset we have and believe should be adopted more widely in all forms of development.

Let’s all work together to raise the subject of Natural Capital at early stage of all projects and debate the importance of retaining as many mature and valuable trees and landscape assets as we possibly can. Join in the discussion and let us know your views.

Please do not be afraid to ask questions and discuss, whether you agree or disagree!

ep architects

info@eparchitects.design