Over a number of years we provided landscape management expertise to this client with whom one of the Partners has a working relationship stretching back some 19 years. The client had no in-house expertise to oversee the standards achieved in the grounds of their 24+ retirement developments across England.

Input provided by the New Leaf Studio included:

• Maintenance reviews and site inspections to advise on standards being achieved, help plan for future major maintenance or refurbishment and to provide advice to the resident wardens / courtyard managers who actually carried out the routine maintenance work.

• Maintenance specifications to form part of courtyard managers contracts of employment or for use in employing outside contractors.

• Strategic reviews and long term planning, including phased rejuvenation proposals, and advice on company wide policy in relation to landscape.

• Advice on equipping sites with landscape maintenance tools and machinery.

• Advice on training and health and safety for maintenance operatives.

• Liaison with residents over particular maintenance issues or proposed changes.

• Advice on use of outside contractors for major operations beyond the scope of courtyard manager’s employment.

As the number of developments under their care grew, the point came where it was economic for the client to employ an in-house landscape manager. The New Leaf Studio provided advice and helped with the recruitment process, we sat on the interview panel and provided input during the handover process.