Waterlands Productions was formed by Anthony Archer-Wills and Bryan Hirst in July 1996 to undertake "the creation , restoration and development of water features and their associated Landscapes."

"Anthony Archer-Wills inspired me when he lectured on water Features at Merrist Wood College where I was studying for my Higher National Diploma in Landscape Studies. I worked for him as his contracts manager during my college year out. He suggested that we form a company to undertake water features when I graduated. The result is Waterlands Productions Ltd.

After two years Anthony moved to America. He resigned as a director, but retained his shares in the firm. He is still available to help with difficult challenges when they arise"

Naturally, our service is tailored to the clients needs and often we work with garden designers making practical their ideas. When cost effective we undertake a complete landscape project as contractors, sometimes we only build the water features on a project and sometimes we act as consultants to landscaping firms or contractors.

Certainly we have found it cost effective and worthwhile to become involved in a project from conception, as essentially everything must be designed around the water. The finished levels, services and other factors are difficult and expensive to change when a project is underway. We can establish which concepts can be realised and often suggest, with our wide experience modifications would not have occurred to a designer or a client.

The design of a water feature affects the maintenance costs and the eco system that grows up in the water, so our experience can enable us to advise the optimum systems.

An initial telephone call usually establishes the way forward. When clients are having difficulty with a pond, for example, have trouble balancing the ego system to have clear water without blanket weed, it is rarely possible to make suggestions without travelling to and seeing the pond in question. The doctor must go to the patient.

During the last eleven years we have undertaken a wide range of projects as you can see in this website as well as acting as consultant for many other projects. I have also travelled widely to observe and photograph water features especially my own special interest in the water gardens of the Mogul Emperors in Pakistan, India and Kashmir. During the winter months it is not appropriate to dig clay lined ponds, for example, so research, lectures and writing often take up January and February. By March people are feeling the sun on there backs and starting to plan for the year. Usually works can start from early March and go on until November.

Because each project is unique, due the location, style, resources and requirements of the clients and/or their designers the photographs can only show the flavour of the projects. None will be exactly what you may have in mind, however there may be features in some of them which can stimulate a discussion as to what would be appropriate for your location. The still photograph cannot reproduce the sound, scent or feel of a living water feature.

Exciting at the moment are interactive water features, not that they are new, the Romans were very fond of them possibly the best example in this country is the 18th century willow tree at Chatsworth. Made of copper the jets are activated by closing a gate (as I remember). Modern technology now allows us to activate a feature with inexpensive technology such as closing garage doors, breaking a beam or driven by a pneumatic pressure pad. These are used in children´s playgrounds and produce endless delight.

We very much hope that this site will give you a taste of the range of projects that we have been involved with, also that we may be able to help you enhance the pleasure that your garden can give you.