LANDSCAPE & ECOLOGICAL POTENTIAL
The landscape designer's judgment in balancing the landscape (including aesthetic, functional, educational, cultural & historical characteristics) and ecological requirements of the design is vital. The context of nature shall be strictly related to landscape design in the relatively short term - i.e. not the ecological timescale from now to the next Ice Age.
Ways of maximising ecological value whilst achieving other landscape objectives shall be actively sought .
In order to maximise the biodiversity of the landscape design the landscape designer shall:
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Preserve existing rich diversity.
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Design for diversity by utilising and creating varied ground conditions and grade vegetation both vertically and horizontally wherever possible. Averaging out the ground conditions shall be avoided unless uniform conditions are the objective.
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Native species shall be used wherever they can effectively perform the requirements of the design. Plant material of local origin shall always be sought (refer to appendix 1).
ASSESS MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
The landscape designer shall work with a constant awareness of the maintenance commitment any design decisions will require and the level of maintenance that can be expected in future years. An unrealistic expectation of future maintenance standards will jeopardise the success and cost effectiveness of any landscape design.
MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT
The landscape designer shall produce a management statement specifying the post establishment period commitments required to maintain the landscape in accordance with the objectives defined at the outset and refined through the project. | 
