Project Showcase

Thoughtful, sustainable landscape design

I'm pleased to share a selection of landscape projects that reflect my approach to thoughtful, sustainable design. Each space has been shaped in close collaboration with clients to create environments that are both beautiful and purposeful.

Project - Lower Irwell Valley Integrated Action (LIVIA) Masterplan

I worked on this project for 3 years, as a Project Manager. I worked with local people, officers within the local authority and owners of the heavy industry located within the area.

The project area was 300 hectares of which a third was heavy industry based along the River Irwell, a third was open land and a third was housing (mostly social housing).

The main objective of the project was to improve the environment for local people and businesses. The open land had mostly been historically tipped and there were areas which had industrial waste still visible and infringing on the natural environment, e.g. the Tar Pond where unidentified industrial waste had been dumped next to a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). The other difficulty with the land was that it was in multiple ownership with owners being notoriously difficult to contact.

The masterplan was created towards the end of the three years, bringing together my understanding of local issues and outlining possibilities for the future.

The project was put on hold for a few years and then the project was brought to fruition with a grant from the Newlands Fund, the Northwest Regional Development Agency-funded regeneration scheme which focussed on the economic and social benefits that can be delivered through environmental improvements.

Many of the ideas within the original masterplan were implemented through this process.

Still Waters Run Deep: Railings project

Working with two primary schools, we ran projects designed to raise the children’s awareness of the movement of water at the confluence of two local rivers, adjacent to the proposed park. The children watched coloured inks mingling in a tank of water, listened to music about a river and thought of words which would describe the movement of the water. They then danced like droplets of water, from the fast moving source through the meanders of older rivers and then out to the sea. They produced drawing of the movement of the river and then made paper rope and laid it on the floor to show the same movement.

From the hundreds of images, we looked for repetitive shapes and used these to create templates for laser-cut steel panels.

The panels were designed to be read at two levels. The wavy tops were designed to be read by drivers on the adjacent road, whereas the details were designed to be read at pedestrian pace.

Bringing Structure and Style to Every Landscape

A great landscape balances style with structure, combining elements like pathways, raised beds, walls, and lighting to create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. From modern, clean lines to more traditional layouts, the right combination of structural features and well-placed lighting can highlight your landscape’s best aspects, extend usability into the evening, and transform any outdoor space into a welcoming retreat.

Discover a Unique PokéStop in Northwich: Still Waters Run Deep

Did you know there’s a PokéStop right here in Northwich that celebrates the Still Waters Run Deep project by Hilary Newhall, a Chartered Landscape Architect?

Located at Grid Reference SJ656738 and What3Words: ///glow.end.last, this special stop marks a creative transformation of public space — a testament to the power of landscape design in bringing community and environment together.

Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon Trainer or simply enjoying a local stroll, be sure to stop by, spin the disc, and take a moment to appreciate the story and thought behind this inspiring place.

We’d love to hear from you — share what Pokémon you catch while you’re there and tell us about your visit!

Landscape Designed to Make the Most of Any Space

No matter the size or shape of your outdoor area, a thoughtfully designed Landscape can transform it into a beautiful and functional space. From a welcoming water feature at the entrance, to a cosy rear garden perfect for relaxing, or a clever layout for a corner plot, we create landscape that make every inch count combining style, practicality, and inspiration.