Services

We are retained consultants for a number of Local Authorities in respect of design and management advice on both natural turf and synthetic surface sports projects.

Due to funding initiatives emanating from the New Opportunities Fund, Sport England, Football Foundation etc, we have become increasingly involved in a number of projects, which require a comprehensive range of design and management skills to be in place in order to adhere to the stringent application, design and management information criteria required by those funding bodies. This requirement, has allowed us to develop a responsive approach to facility design based upon a practical understanding of the major issues involved in scheme development from inception through to completion.

• Feasibility Studies – Site assessment, topographical surveys, geo-technical investigations, soil analysis and profiling, planning consideration, environmental impact analysis, outline budget forecasts and options appraisal report.
• Detailed Design – Planning Submission and supporting statements, Contract Documentation and Drawings, Detailed Cost Information, CDM Duties.
• Contract Administration – Compilation of Select list, Invitation to tender, Tender Evaluation, Report to Client.
• Contract Management – Site Supervision, Quality Compliance, Testing, Work Programming, Cost Control, CDM Duties.
• Funding Applications - Bespoke submissions to identify funding agencies based upon detailed project feasibility.

Through good design is realised the integrated objectives of the client, the user and the relationship to the spatial context. GLDM are experienced in dealing with the evaluation and design of landscapes in a variety of environments, from the urban inner city school where pressure on space is paramount, to the protection of historic parklands where sensitivity of treatment can be almost undetected.

Our design team and their close working relationship with specialist associates, can provide clients with the benefit of a wide depth of expertise, flair and commitment to achieving the most desirable and appropriate solutions to project development.

GLDM can offer a specialist Agronomy service related to all types of sports and amenity turf.

As well as specific evaluation of grassland problems we can also provide a regular back up advice service to those responsible at operational level to assist in achieving the maximum performance from the areas they are managing.  

• Species Identification                            
• Plant Density and Distribution
• Soil Sampling
• Nutrient Analysis                                         
• Hydraulic Conductivity Testing
• Particle Size Distribution
• Cultural Problem Diagnosis
• Remediation Evaluation
• Maintenance Recommendations

The value of trees within any situation where public access is likely, needs to be considered against the requirement to ensure that they are regularly inspected to assess their condition and to prolong viability.

GLDM can undertake detailed arboricultural survey and analysis of trees in all situations, on both a specific or routine basis. Recording of data can be linked to most GIS or mapping systems, and term or priority maintenance schedules provided to enable clients to more accurately assess their liabilities.

In addition within specific situations, planning applications, character assessment and ecological studies can also be undertaken to determine the most appropriate course of action.

• Condition Surveys
• Data Collection
• Risk Assessment
• Mapping
• Remedial Maintenance Programmes
• Planning Assessment

GLDM have a significant depth of knowledge and experience gained across a broad range of planning, design and management projects involving the external environment and green space strategies. Many of these have required the integration of regeneration, community development, local health improvement, culture, children’s play and sports strategies.

Over the last several years there has been a growing debate about the value of parks and open spaces and their role within 21st century life. Whilst much of this has been initiated by the Government’s desire to ensure that authorities incorporate “Best Value” policies and principles within their provision of such facilities, the increasing involvement of the local community and their desire to influence the way in which their public spaces and external environment is managed, has required those with the responsibility of managing these assets to become increasingly aware of the need to tackle issues in a strategic, objective and cost effective manner.

The traditional or historical approach to the provision of management of parks and open space created to offer people places to seek relief from the pressures of working life are in many ways again being seen as important. Modern issues such as social exclusion, crime and disorder and regeneration are problems affecting most areas to a greater or lesser degree. It is becoming clear that the solutions to such cross cutting problems lie in a combined and holistic approach.  Therefore, whilst the provision of good parks and open spaces cannot alone solve the problems of society, they have an important role in partnership with other approaches. GLDM can offer a range of services tailored to meet the specific objectives of Clients in order to ensure that strategies to determine the way parks and open spaces are developed and managed in the most cost effective and sustainable manner.

• Market Research
• Consultation
• Objective Setting
• Strategy Formulation
• Policy Development
• Strategic Planning
• Implementation and Review
• Benchmarking
• Quality Audits and Inspections
• PPG 17, Agenda 21, CABE Space and Urban Parks Forum Review

Sports turf in all its varying forms requires the correct balance of both natural and managed inputs in order to ensure maximum performance and durability criteria are achieved. The correct analysis of soil types, climate and end use objectives are essential in delivering the playing quality and appearance factors which influence the way sport is played and perceived by both users and spectators alike.

GLDM can offer expert advice in the essential elements of land drainage and irrigation to suit all levels of performance. This part of our consultancy is very closely linked to our Agronomy and Sports facility design services in order to ensure that a holistic or balanced approach is achieved. The design and specification of a complete new build or upgrade of existing facilities is undertaken based upon a combination of sound practical, technical and scientific research and analysis of the issues involved in dealing with the range of pressures that sports turf is exposed to.

 Poor drainage and lack of irrigation can lead to:

• Reduced root development
• Reduced aeration of the soil
• Inefficient uptake and use of nutrients
• Slower growth patterns
• Susceptibility to disease
• Decreased resistance to drought and wear
• Increased invasion of weed species
• Loss of play and revenue

GLDM can offer the following services:

• Site Analysis                                         
• Detailed Design                                                   
• Cost Planning
• Tender and Procurement
• Project Management
• Management Plans
• Hydrological Surveys
• Statutory Agency Negotiation      

Recognition of the value to be gained from the greater educational use of school grounds has increased significantly in recent years. Their value has been underlined by the National Curriculum (NC) by reports produced by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) and research undertaken by other organisations such as Learning Through Landscapes (LTL).

School grounds can provide a wealth of opportunities to create places of diversity and interest, and increase resources to enhance both personal and social education. Beyond the need to provide areas and facilities within the outdoor environment, conforming to statutory guidelines or operational needs in terms of spatial requirements, the quality and character of the landscape in its widest sense needs to be both stimulating and malleable, and also robust enough to meet the demands placed upon it.

As a Consultancy we have been involved in a range of projects including the planning, design and management of school grounds. We can offer schools specific advice which may be adopted to establish certain key principles within the design and management of their grounds, whilst still recognising the fact that there is no standard solution and every environment is unique as are those who interact with it.

For many children, inter action with their school grounds may be the only means of increasing their awareness of local and world issues through environmental education. Studies have shown that by  encouraging a sense of pride and ownership of their school, can assist in the development in children of positive and caring attitudes and behaviour towards the natural world.

Appropriate grounds design and development can significantly increase the potential of schools to enhance and achieve the objectives of environmental education and linked syllabus outcomes, through the creation of new teaching resources and stimulating places for children to work, rest and play.

GLDM have extensive experience particularly within the Education sector, of working with clients to create bespoke contracts and management schedules to maintain grounds and the external environment.

Whilst good design is of paramount importance, the management (maintenance) and appearance of the external environment should form a fundamental part of the overall ethos of any school, if it is to be valued by its pupils and the surrounding community. This will only be achievable through the provision of appropriate standards of quality, and the development of a client/service provider relationship which recognises the need to continually review and adapt procedures to meet the demands placed upon schools generally in today’s world.

The following is taken from The Children Act 2004: Every Child Matters, Change for Children (HM Government)

The Importance of School Grounds:

The framework document Every Child Matters, aims to ensure that every child and young person has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. It identifies five overarching outcomes that all Government departments with a vested interest in children’s development should be working towards.

These are:

• be healthy

• be safe

• enjoy and achieve

• make a positive contribution

• achieve economic and social well-being.

School grounds can play a significant role in delivering these outcomes, providing safe, stimulating environments where children and young people can learn, explore, play and grow, regardless of their educational needs.

As a society, we recognise that our young people are being offered ever fewer opportunities for safe, challenging, active and collaborative play. Lack of these opportunities can lead to health issues, apathy, social and behavioral issues.

School grounds can help raise achievement and self-esteem, improve behaviour and health, and help children and young people develop a wide range of skills.

According to Government statistics 63% of the whole schools estate is land rather than buildings, but often the potential of the school grounds is not fully considered and developed. When imaginatively developed and appropriately managed, school grounds can contribute to curriculum teaching and learning, and to better recreational and social interaction of their pupils. As well as contributing strongly to children’s understanding of ‘green’ issues, they can make a positive impact on the sustainability of the schools and their locality. They can also encourage children to take part in a range of physical activities, which contribute so much to their health and well-being.