The Bedgebury Masterplan establishes a vision and spatial framework, supporting the delivery of Forestry England’s national priorities, promoting sustainable forestry in the context of the climate emergency, tackling the nature crisis and supporting people’s health and wellbeing.
In 2023, TEP developed a Landscape Masterplan for Bedgebury National Pinetum. Working for Forestry England, our landscape architects, land managers and GIS experts created an interactive web-based Masterplan, for this Internationally important arboretum and visitor destination.
We researched and consulted throughout the preparation of the Masterplan. Supported by Planning Solutions Consulting, we held engaging workshops with staff and stakeholders, and managed an online visitor survey to capture the thoughts and opinions of those that use the forest the most. We undertook field surveys and analysed data, collaborated with creative colleagues to develop ideas and strategies, prepared maps, diagrams and high quality graphics.
The outcome is a Masterplan which provides a common framework and point of reference for staff, visitors, statutory bodies, interest groups and local people. It is a long-term strategy for the future management and development of the forest. It is a co-ordinating document of several parts. The first part presents an analysis of the existing forest and context review, a summary of the engagement process and outcomes, a spatial framework and an assessment of condition and future uncertainties. This is followed by a set of Strategic Proposals (site wide strategies for the Pinetum landscape and for visitor use and enjoyment), and Location Specific Proposals (detailed interventions relating to several themes such as trails and wayfinding, views and vistas, facilities and attractions). Proposals are identified on plans with linked tabular information detailing priorities, timescales, costs and interdependencies.
To provide an interactive demonstration of the masterplan, the GIS team at TEP created a web based Story Map, an application which combines interactive maps, images, illustrations and narrative, making it accessible and easily shareable across the Forestry England organisation. A range of web map applications were developed for the project to demonstrate all aspects of the Pinetum Masterplan, with the story map linking all of these together in a single interactive portal. The development of this masterplan story map illustrates the spatial relationships within the plan and provides a compelling narrative to share with many audiences. A redacted version of the online Masterplan is accessible to the public here Bedgebury National Pinetum Masterplan (arcgis.com).
Please read a selection of client testimonials below:
“I think that this is an excellent piece of work. The proposals are very appropriate and should result in great improvements to the accessibility and quality of experience at Bedgebury and so there will be strong policy support.”
– David Scully, CMLI Landscape and Biodiversity Officer, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
“This is a very detailed and visually impressive masterplan. An excellent job.“
– Dan Bell – Events Programme Manager, Forestry England
“The plan looks good and well researched; interesting that the consultants used Story Maps, which is something that we are considering for Forest Plans.“
– Richard Brooke MIC – Planning & Environment Manager, Forestry England
“It really captures the complexity and interwovenness of the site“.
– Deborah Reekie, Learning Assistant, Bedgebury, Forestry England
