The Eco Smallholding: Planning and Designing for Sustainability

A country property is probably the biggest investment a person will ever make. No sooner are they settled in, however, than more expenditure looms. It is rare to find a property in perfect order, and they will have brought their own dreams and plans with them. To make those a reality, new buildings will need to be erected, new landscapes created, and new services installed, while existing ones may need to be modified. Even small areas require meticulous planning to ensure that the land is used to best advantage physically, naturally and visually. Conservation and the enhancement of the landscape is a high priority for most owners of country properties, but careful planning is needed if this is to be achieved while also establishing an efficient, economically viable smallholding. Proceeding without a plan can mean a great deal of wasted time, labour and expense, and the result may well be that the reality does not live up to their expectations. This book explains how to create a management plan for a property, taking the reader step by step through assessment, surveys, data analysis, the formulation of proposals, budgeting and implementation. Three detailed case studies offer real-life examples of how the process works.A functional, attractive smallholding which works in harmony with nature does not come about by happy accident - it is the result of careful planning and design. Whether the reader is starting out with a new property, or developing an existing one, this book will help to ensure that their dreams become a reality. See more