News

Hiring – Office Manager

Weddles are a friendly and busy landscape architecture and ecology consultancy. We are looking for an office manager to join our growing team to help run the day-to-day workings of our Sheffield office.

The position is initially offered on a part-time basis with the potential to progress to full-time. The role is based in the office in Sheffield.

We are looking for somebody who has the following attributes:

  • Proven experience in office management or a similar administrative role
  • Very organised with a proactive nature who is able to prioritise and manage a range of administrative duties
  • Fluent in English with excellent grammar skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Has an interest in landscape design and ecology

Tasks may include:

  • Supporting the directors with basic PA duties
  • Arranging travel, accommodation and coordination for staff site visits
  • Arranging sub-contractors for ecological surveys
  • Everyday office management such as ordering office supplies and equipment and managing the meeting room calendars
  • Organising staff training
  • Coordinating staff performance reviews
  • Assisting with recruitment
  • Answering the phone and making calls as required
  • Dealing with incoming enquiries
  • Assistance with HR and provision of staff point of contact
  • Ensuring compliance with health and safety at work regulations on behalf of the office, such as organising fire training, first aiders, first aid kits etc.
  • Organising office social events and activities
  • Meeting and greeting clients and visitors
  • Assisting with payroll and accounting
  • Practice promotion and social media
  • Collating timesheets and managing staff leave

The ability to reliably commute to the Sheffield office or plan to relocate to Sheffield before starting work will be required.

To apply please e-mail mail@weddles.co.uk sending a CV and covering letter.

Applications by 17th March 2024.

No third parties or agencies.

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is mandatory from today

From today, Monday 12th February 2024, Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) begins for major developments applying for new planning permission under the Town & Country Planning Act. BNG then extends to minor developments, applying under the same Act, from April 2024.

By the end of 2025, BNG is expected to extend to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

To clarify what some of this means, our ecologists have provided some answers to Frequently Asked Questions, below.


What is BNG?

Biodiversity – biological diversity – is the variety of life on Earth. Having a ‘net gain’ for biodiversity means leaving the living components of a particular area (or, ecosystem) in a measurably better condition than in which they were found.

The way in which ecologists measure the condition of an area before a project has been undertaken and predicts what can be achieved after a project has been completed is by undertaking surveys, using a mapping system, and applying a formula (this is known as the BNG metric). Comparing those before and after figures result in a measurable gain – or loss – for biodiversity resulting from a project.

Losses are not permitted as of Monday 12th February 2024: a mandatory minimum of a 10% net gain across England has been set in law. Many Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) setting their minimum higher to ensure biodiversity improves in their regions.  

Why does biodiversity matter?

More biodiversity means healthier, more resilient, ecosystems. Our living world is complex and formed by connections between its parts. These connections and systems are ultimately what sustains life.  

Why has BNG been created?

Biodiversity in England has been in decline for decades, accelerating in the last thirty years (State of Nature, 2023). This has had detrimental impacts to the life systems on which we depend – declines in pollination, species extinctions, and contributing to the deterioration in the health of watercourses. There are many factors that have contributed to nature’s decline, and habitat loss from development is one of them.

Gannets, kittiwakes and guillemots soar over the cliffs at Bempton on the east coast on a sunny spring day.
Gannets, Kittiwakes and Guillemots at Bempton Cliffs. Bird populations have declined due to many, often interconnecting factors – from habitat loss to bird flu.

What does BNG mean for development?

BNG has been created so that the impacts of development do not continue to contribute to the decline of nature; rather, it creates opportunities for developments to contribute to the recovery of thriving ecosystems in England. It adds to, rather than replaces, other current planning and environmental legislation.

Developers will be required to submit a BNG Assessment and calculation using Natural England’s Biodiversity Metric. Effectively, this shows a comparison of the pre- and post- development biodiversity values.

Weddles can assist during the early stages of design to consider the most important and valuable existing habitats, and how these can be protected and retained as part of the development. As our team carry out landscape design, arboriculture, horticulture, and ecology survey work, everything relating to BNG can be carried out in-house, collaboratively, ultimately leading to a more efficient project pipeline.

For more information, see Biodiversity Net Gain, or feel welcome to contact our team.

Do I need to do Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?

As of March 2024:

Major Site: Residential developments larger then 10 residential units / 1 hectare area; or commercial development where floor space is more then 1,000 square metres / 1 hectare area.
= Requires 10% net gain (or more if stated by LPA) as required by the Environment Act

Small Sites: Residential development less then 10 units / 1 hectare (or if the number of dwellings is unknown less than 0.5 hectares); or commercial development where floor space created is less than 1,000 square metres / 1 hectare area.
=1% net gain (Until 2nd April) as required by the NPPF (typically can use the ‘small sites metric’)

Exempt from BNG: Impacts less then 25m2 of non-priority habitat; permitted development; householder applications; residential self-build or custom-build (where the initial owner/s are primarily involved in the development) and less then 0.5 hectare area, and change of use applications.

If in any doubt please get in touch and our team can guide you though the BNG process: mail@weddles.co.uk // 0114 250 1181

Mortgage Tree Reports

We carry out tree surveys to fulfil the requirements of mortgage providers. This involves identifying trees which may be impacting the property and providing a professional judgement on if these are causing damage. This report will identify hazards, evaluate risk and proposed appropriate measures. Hazards include roots impacts, overhanging branches that can damage structures, or the potential for falling trees during storms.

Hiring – Landscape Architect

We have an opportunity for a Landscape Architect to join our team in Sheffield.

We have a wide variety of projects at a range of scales all over the country and our team provides a joined up, coordinated service incorporating ecology, landscape and arboriculture. We work across a number of project types including residential, education, commercial, energy and healthcare, providing our clients with initial feasibility and concept designs, through planning, to delivery and completion on site.

Your role would typically include;

Assisting with bids and tenders
Work with our multidisciplinary team, subconsultants, and client design teams
Prepare design information, specifications and schedules, including planting designs and construction drawings
Prepare Landscape and Biodiversity Management Plans
Work to achieve Biodiversity Net Gains
Co-ordinate drawings and visualisations with the wider team
Undertake baseline assessment work
Assist with the production of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments and other reports
Attend design team meetings and inspect site
Support junior staff on their work and progression

We are looking for a confident and enthusiastic Landscape Architect with two+ years of practical experience. You will have exceptional design and communication skills, and the ability to fit into our friendly and hardworking team. A proven ability with Autocad and Adobe Suite is essential. Experience of Landscape and Visual Assessments and understanding of the planning system would be advantageous. An understanding of Ecology and Arboriculture would be useful. 

The role is based in our Sheffield office. We would also consider applications for a flexible part-time position, so please get in touch.

To apply please e-mail mail@weddles.co.uk sending a CV and covering letter.

Applications by 16th February 2024. Earlier applications encouraged as we intend to appoint sooner.

No third parties or agencies.

Welcome Imogen!

We’re very lucky to have Imogen join us for her year out placement during her MLA Landscape Architecture with Ecology degree at Sheffield University. She is providing superb support to both the landscape and ecology teams and is learning basic arboricultural skills.

Northern General Secret Garden

Last week was the 75 anniversary of the NHS #NHS75. It also marked the official opening of the Northern General Hospital Wellbeing Garden designed by @weddles.co.uk

The £370,000 ‘Secret Garden’ has been funded by @sheffhospitalcharity with the design providing a series of tranquil outdoor spaces away from busy hospital life with opportunities for people to get outside to enjoy tranquil moments within green space.

We hope that the secret garden becomes well-known (not secret!) and enjoyed by staff and patients alike. The planting is still to completely fill out and it will be great to see it develop in the coming seasons.

You can read more about the garden on Sheffield Hospitals Charity website here: https://www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/News/secret-garden-opens


Contractor: Jarvale Construction Ltd

Welcome Esther Hyde!

We’re delighted to welcome Esther to the landscape team. Esther has recently graduated from her MA in Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield. She has a special interest in restorative urban design and active travel. She previously was part of Beanies Wholefoods co-operative in Sheffield.

Esther loves climbing and cycling.

Tidewell Co-op Approval

Weddles provided landscape design and visual appraisal of the new Co-op store on the edge of picturesque Peak District village. We supported Ackroyd and Abbott Limited and C+D Design in the application which recently gained unanimously approved by the Peak District National Park Planning Authority.

The sensitive location requied a scheme which was cerefully planned around minising visual impact.

Hiring – Assistant Ecologist

We have an opportunity for an Graduate/Assistant Ecologist to join our small friendly team in Sheffield. The practice is long standing and provides multi-disciplinary consultancy services including ecology, landscape and arboriculture.

We have a wide variety of projects at nationwide locations and our focus is to provide a joined up service incorporating ecology, landscape and arboriculture, from project inception, through planning and delivery on site.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious individual, with good technical knowledge. Your role will involve assisting on a range of projects with our ecology team, and duties will include:

• Assisting with ecological surveys for a range of fauna species

• Assisting with on habitat surveys, with a focus on UK Habs surveys

• Keeping accurate field notes

• Preparing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Habitat Plans

• Preparing Biodiversity Net Gain metrics

Working within our team will provide numerous opportunities to expand your knowledge and capabilities in ecology and environmental consultancy, as well as training opportunities and career progression.

Due to the nature of the work, the position will involve working on sites at distance from Sheffield and out-of-hours work so flexibility will be required.

Applicants should have the following qualifications/experience:

• Degree in Ecology, Biological Science or similar, and eligible for Qualifying or Associate membership of CIEEM

• Full UK driving licence

• Previous habitat and/or species surveying experience would be advantageous

We are looking for a confident and enthusiastic individual with good communication skills, the ability to fit into our friendly and hardworking team.

We would also consider applications for a flexible part-time position, so please get in touch.

To apply please e-mail mail@weddles.co.uk sending a CV and covering letter.

Applications by 27th April 2023. Although earlier applications encouraged!

No third parties or agencies.