Landscapers transform grounds for cutting

A digital studio for agri-tech innovation at Hartpury University now has a biodiverse garden and smart new setting thanks to Greenfields landscapers.

The backdrop of a innovative new teaching facility at Hartpury University that gives students access to the latest in agri-technology and precision smart farming simulation has been unveiled by Greenfields landscapers.

News steps, signs, decking and landscaping have taken the team just over a month to put in place to tie in with the grand reveal of the new studio.

The digital hub, which opened at the end of May 2023, lets students carry out agricultural tasks using virtual simulations and augmented realities.

And to make the new facilities shine, the university needed a setting befitting of the cutting-edge technology.

Calling on the team at Greenfields landscapers, the university now has a fresh look that celebrates the investment in the latest technology and innovations.

With the job of transforming the outside space around the new agri-tech learning pod, Greenfields was handed a blank canvas once the weeds were cleared and the gas tank moved.

The university wanted to make the space a highlight for the campus, complete with a bold concrete step leading to the new front entrance. The brief was for a low maintenancegarden which at the same time is biodiverse.

Greenfields produced a planting scheme of low growingshrubs which framed the main landscape, trees to create a backdrop for thelandscape and detract from the weld barn situated behind the area, as well as selectsmall trees across the scheme to add interest to lift the space.

Now there's a mass of herbaceous perennials and grasses which change through the seasons giving year-round interest and improve thebiodiversity of the area.

To help all the plants through the first season, the team installed a timed watering system and drip lines throughout the bed as a cost effective and efficient way of keeping the new large areas of plantingwatered and healthy.

JamesHopkins, from Greenfields, helped get fresh signage in place, too. Working with project leaders at Hartpury, he produced three large Corten steelsigns.

Each design was laser cut out of the sheet metal and finished off with stainless steel lettering, support posts and a plinth.

To the back of the pod, they built a new deck and balustradeto tie-in with current decking within the agri-tech area. A new postand rail fence frames the back of the landscape.

And to finish the area off, Greenfields created sleeper edging, sleeperplanters and dressed the hard standing with limestone chippings to lift the feel of the area.

Hopkins said: 'It was great to work with the university and project team. For Hartpury, this space will not only better the efficiencyof the teaching for the students who attend the college, it will be a draw forcustomers across the country who can benefit from the new technology theynow have to offer.

'We pride ourselves in improving our local community, so wewere delighted to be a part of this project.'