JSA Landscape Group specialises in identifying key ecological priorities. We provide an integrated approach to managing conservation areas by finding the right balance. We always make the best use of local resources and we specify appropriate conservation management, balancing biodiversity with necessary maintenance operations.
JSA Landscape Group has a variety of specialist machines to carry out specific countryside works such as conservation cut/clear, hay cutting, hedge and verge cutting, ditch clearance, fencing, wild flower and heather reseeding, to mention but a few. All our tractors and machinery are fitted with low ground pressure/floatation tyres to minimize soil compaction and all our machinery is no more than five years old to ensure reliability throughout its lifetime with us.
Highways and verge cutting are carried out using our 8m reach machines fitted with either flail heads or triple circular saw blades to reach awkward and high branches safely and quickly.
The staff are very experienced in all machinery operation and carry all the required health and safety equipment.
Current clients include BAA, Gatwick Airport Ltd, Royal Parks, Scotia Gas Networks, Transco and several local authorities and councils.
Countryside works undertaken include:
- Complete stewardship management schemes.
- Conservation Cut/Clear.
- Hay and Silage cutting.
- Seed bed preparation and drilling.
- Fencing.
- Local Authority Works.
- Hedge/Ditch/Verge cutting with 8m reach machines
Other Conservation Management services
Management Plans – to ensure the protection of habitats and prevent any potentially damaging operations, detailed planning is required. JSA Landscape Group’s Conservation Management Plans focus on conservation objectives and consider protected species, habitats and biodiversity. We provide practical work programmes and supervision.
Nature Reserves – management of nature reserves can include grazing, hay cutting, hedge laying, coppicing, tree felling, planting, scrub and/or bracken control to maintain wildlife and contribute to the UK’s biodiversity. We carry out Conservation Assessments, produce Site Management Statements and prescriptions to maintain and improve biodiversity. SSSI and other areas afforded statutory protection – management of protected sites can include: grazing, hay cutting, hedge laying, tree planting and scrub or bracken control.
Control of Invasive Weed Species – the invasion of alien species can have damaging effects on native biodiversity and can pose a direct threat to protected species or species of conservation concern as well as creating a nuisance on recreational land. Legislative controls apply to certain species to prevent spread. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) fall under the Countryside and Wildlife Act (1981) and, when appropriate, the Environmental Protection Act (1990) applies. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) also causes problems.
Watercourse Management – watercourses are an intrinsic part of formal landscapes, woodland and conservation areas. They include open and shaded water, brooks and streams. To maintain and improve biodiversity, management is essential. The mix of land use and needs of wildlife require careful management to balance interests. Moreover, with the onset of climate change, there is a need to provide sustainable drainage (SUDS) through better watercourse management.
