Staff and users of the garden space at Belong Village, Macclesfield, felt the existing outdoor area was dark and tired, with many broken elements such as failed timber fencing and raised beds. Overgrown shrubs and trees created a dense canopy that blocked natural light from reaching the ground-floor rooms overlooking the courtyard.
The design focused on the main internal space, which the building wraps around. New footpaths were installed with looping routes and created screened areas to form smaller, more intimate pockets within the courtyard. Fit-for-purpose furniture, such as stepped benches, was introduced to help people with limited mobility sit comfortably and enjoy the outdoor space. Additional seasonal planting will provide year-round interest while addressing past issues with overgrown shrubs overshadowing the courtyard. This will encourage users to engage more fully with the garden and enjoy a greater variety of color and texture.
From an ecological perspective, our ecologists identified an active woodpigeon nest in a tree on the site. We promptly informed the client and established a no-work buffer zone to protect the nest, its eggs, and young. Bird nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Therefore, the client was advised to avoid tree work until the nest was no longer active. The nest was successfully safeguarded, allowing the client to lawfully proceed with the works within a few weeks.
The refurbished outdoor space is now more engaging and vibrant. It offers improved access and greater sensory variety, creating a welcoming environment for all users.