Client: Paul Connel

Location: Near Penzance, Cornwall

Services Provided

• Landscape Character Assessment (LCA)

• Visual Impact Analysis

• Woodland Design for Carbon Sequestration

• Grant Support (EWCO Application)

The Challenge

Paul Connel set out to create a new woodland that would contribute to carbon sequestration, support biodiversity, and be a valued local amenity. However, the site’s location within a Cornwall National Landscape (AONB), close to the Scheduled Monument of Chysauster Ancient Village, and intersected by a public footpath, introduced multiple sensitivities. Visual, ecological, and cultural landscape considerations had to be carefully balanced.

The Solution

Land & Heritage supported a successful application to the English Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and led the woodland’s strategic design. A detailed Landscape Character Assessment was produced to assess sensitivity, shape layout decisions, and anticipate impacts—particularly in views from Chysauster and along the public footpath.

Our designs emphasised naturalistic planting with mixed native broadleaf species, avoiding straight lines and hard edges to integrate with the local character and views.

The Result

The project delivered a 13-hectare, carefully designed woodland, planting 28,500 trees expected to sequester 772 tonnes of carbon over 25 years. It enhances biodiversity, respects the landscape setting, and provides a valuable space for public enjoyment.

This approach received praise from Dougal Driver, CEO of Grown in Britain, as a “best in class” example of sensitive and sustainable woodland creation.