Open Air Business February 2017
The UK's outdoor hospitality business magazine for function venues, glamping businesses and outdoor event organisers
The UK's outdoor hospitality business magazine for function venues, glamping businesses and outdoor event organisers
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ACCOMMODATION<br />
Landscaping<br />
for Glampsites<br />
Advice on the use of landscaping to maximise the<br />
utility and ambience of your glampsite<br />
Edward Busby, glamping<br />
consultant<br />
Crown and Canopy<br />
07837 162 452<br />
www.crownandcanopy.co.uk<br />
Describe the importance of landscape<br />
design for glampsites<br />
Landscape design can have a large impact<br />
on a glamping site as the surroundings<br />
play a key role in client experience. Clients<br />
come to experience the countryside and<br />
nature, and landscape design gives you<br />
the opportunity to enhance the natural<br />
environment around them.<br />
In an ideal scenario, the natural<br />
landscape and setting would not need<br />
any work at all, after all we are trying to<br />
get away from man-made and manicured<br />
surroundings. These spots, however, can<br />
be hard to find and sometimes it’s difficult<br />
to get planning permission on them. If the<br />
surroundings are a little sparse, tame or<br />
visible, this is where landscape design can<br />
be invaluable.<br />
It is important to give your clients as<br />
much privacy as possible, and using natural<br />
barriers and plant designs is the best way<br />
to do this. It is advisable to employ these<br />
methods in car parks as well as the main<br />
site for the same reasons.<br />
When seeking planning permission,<br />
landscape design can be a valuable tool<br />
when negotiating the visual impact of a<br />
build, especially in the more sensitive areas.<br />
Once you have picked a spot on your<br />
land, then you can begin to structure the<br />
layout of the site. Bear in mind the direction<br />
of the prevailing wind, especially in exposed<br />
areas and when using canvas structures. If<br />
there is a natural wind barrier that you can<br />
utilize, such as a hedge or trees, then do<br />
so, otherwise you may want to think about<br />
creating one<br />
If your site is on a hillside and the ground<br />
is unsuitable to set up on, then you will need<br />
to think about creating a level platform to<br />
build upon. Before undertaking earthworks,<br />
it is important to remember that the ideal<br />
look and setting is a natural one, therefore<br />
working with the natural lines and contours<br />
of the ground is especially important. When<br />
cutting in and creating the area, be sure<br />
to avoid straight lines and square corners,<br />
and try to replicate what is already around<br />
you. If you are undertaking ground works<br />
then drainage and water run-off are also<br />
important elements to think about.<br />
When it comes to orientation, think about<br />
what you can see from different part of each<br />
accommodation unit’s site. This also goes<br />
for others in close proximity. Ideally, they<br />
would be spaced as far apart as possible,<br />
however, if this is not possible, then<br />
landscaping can give the illusion of greater<br />
privacy.<br />
Please give some simple ideas that could<br />
be achieved on a small to medium-sized<br />
budget<br />
› If you do not have the luxury of lots of<br />
space, then an effective way to provide<br />
privacy is a planting plan using woody<br />
shrubs and trees. Earth barriers can also be<br />
used here.<br />
› You can add in nice touches such as wild<br />
flowers and other native plants.<br />
› Create an alternative<br />
space adjacent to your<br />
structure(s) for a fire pit<br />
and outdoor cooking<br />
space. People love this<br />
and it is low impact and<br />
cheap.<br />
› Plant up some fruiting<br />
bushes and trees close<br />
to your site so your<br />
clients can forage with<br />
children and maybe<br />
even cook with some of<br />
the produce.<br />
› A small kitchen herb<br />
border or herb spiral<br />
can be incorporated<br />
into your plant design<br />
for cooking on site.<br />
CROWN AND CANOPY<br />
JOŠT GANTAR<br />
Please give some more extravagant ideas<br />
that could be achieved on a larger budget<br />
› Create a beautiful pathway to your<br />
retreat. This means the cars are now out of<br />
sight and mind, and it will add the element<br />
of surprise on arrival.<br />
› Creating small outdoor swimming pools<br />
and paddling spots can be a great addition<br />
for summer, however, health and safety<br />
regulations must be carefully considered in<br />
this situation.<br />
› Outdoor cooking, dining and even<br />
sleeping spaces can provide a unique<br />
experience.<br />
› Having raised platforms and decks for<br />
your clients to use will keep them out of the<br />
mud. This can also create the perfect area<br />
for a hot tub or other unique touches.<br />
› You can create earth platforms to elevate<br />
40 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM
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