Project Paulsue

A project delivering a refreshed and characterful country garden that remains true to its rural surroundings while greatly improving usability and structure. Completed through adverse weather and challenging winter months, the transformation balanced practical construction with a deep respect for nature.

Every stage of the build was carried out with care to protect existing wildlife habitats, ensuring birds, insects, and pond life continued to thrive. The finished garden now offers a welcoming, functional space that flows naturally between seating areas, pathways, planting zones, and wildlife features - creating a landscape that feels both beautifully renewed and environmentally responsible.

🌿 Country Garden Makeover – Farm Cottages on the Pennine Moors, North of Sheffield

Set high on the Pennine Moors, this rural garden sits in a dramatic landscape shaped by wind, weather and wildlife. The cottages are surrounded by open countryside and the garden has long been a haven for birds and other native species. Preserving and enhancing this natural biodiversity was central to the redesign, ensuring the space continues to support both existing wildlife and new visitors to the garden.

🌾 Design Vision

The brief called for a complete country‑garden makeover that would refresh the space while retaining its original charm and natural character. The aim was to create a garden with distinct areas of interest, improved usability and inviting seating spaces - all without losing the rugged beauty of the surrounding moorland.

⚒️ Project Challenges

Remote location: Access to the site was limited, and the exposed position meant working in extreme Pennine weather.
Wildlife sensitivity: All construction and planting work needed to be carried out with minimal disruption to the birds and other wildlife that rely on the garden.
Preservation of character: The design had to feel new and functional while remaining true to the countryside setting.

🧱 Key Features & Specification

The final design integrates natural materials, wildlife‑friendly planting, and handcrafted features to create a cohesive and characterful outdoor space:

Dry stone walling to echo the surrounding moorland boundaries
Raised beds constructed using original reclaimed railway sleepers
Feature pergola designed as a central bird‑feeding station
Steps built from a combination of original sleepers and natural stone
Natural stone walling to complement the cottage architecture
Wildlife and fishpond with a Balau hardwood decking jetty
Natural stone patio for seating and outdoor use
Real lawn to maintain the soft, traditional feel
York stone pathway linking key areas of the garden
Bespoke wrought‑iron handrails for durability and craftsmanship
Sculptured metal decorative tree as a focal art piece
Sculptured metal bird‑feeder station to enhance wildlife activity
Original chimney pots repurposed as characterful garden features

🌼 Wildlife‑Friendly Planting

A diverse planting scheme was developed to support pollinators, birds, and small mammals while providing year‑round interest:

Herbaceous borders
Alpines and ground‑cover plants
Prairie‑style grasses and perennials
Climbers for vertical structure
Seasonal bulbs for spring and autumn colour
Evergreen shrubs for winter resilience

🧱 Materials

Element	Product
Raised beds	Original reclaimed railway sleepers
Steps	Original reclaimed railway sleepers & natural stone
Decking jetty	Balau hardwood
Lawn	Real turf
Patio	Natural stone
Pathway	York stone
Handrails	Bespoke wrought iron
Bird feeder	Sculptured metal
Features	Original chimney pots
Planting	Herbaceous, alpines, climbers, seasonal bulbs, grasses and evergreens

🌾 Outcome

The project resulted in a beautifully refreshed country garden that feels both functional and true to its rural setting. Natural materials, reclaimed features and handcrafted details were combined to create a space that flows effortlessly between seating areas, pathways, planting zones and wildlife habitats.

Despite the challenges of the remote location and the need to protect local wildlife, the finished garden now offers a welcoming, characterful environment with improved usability, enhanced biodiversity and a strong connection to the surrounding moorland.

We offer regional coverage, and our dedicated teams operate across South and West Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, delivering high quality services tailored to your needs.

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