The natural beauty of the 234-hectare (578 acres) Aphrodite Hills is being carefully preserved by Lanitis Development.

Occupying two elevated plateaux either side of the Randidi Gorge, a natural ravine and public nature reserve, the site is surrounded by the Randi Forest which is protected by the Cyprus Government's Department of Forestry.

Before work began on the site, an extensive survey was carried out by Phedonos Consultants Limited of Nicosia to ascertain the likely impact of the development on the environment as well as plants, birds and animals.

Dominating the landscape are around 7,000 olive and carob trees. A huge programme of transplanting has been undertaken in order to preserve trees affected by the construction process. After careful husbandry in an on-site nursery, the trees are being re-introduced to the original landscape.

The planting policy at Aphrodite Hills gives preference to bushes and flowers endemic to Cyprus, together with exotic species such as bougainvilleas and hibiscus.

The bird population is expected to flourish as a result of the development. The current state-issued hunting permit over part of the land at Aphrodite Hills has been withdrawn. The termination of uncontrolled overgrazing will assist restoration of the native vegetation.

An abundant supply of golf course grass and pond water combined with extensive planting of new bushes and trees have resulted in more food and shelter for the bird population. This includes millions of birds that visit the island for over-wintering, breeding or rest during migratory journeys - species such as nightingales, kingfishers, kestrels, partridges, francolins and owls. Migrating swans have also been seen on the man-made irrigation lake at Aphrodite Hills.

Enhanced planting and extensive areas untouched by development will result in improved conditions for wildlife ranging from toads and frogs to butterflies, hares, hedgehogs and foxes.

Environmental management at Aphrodite Hills is described by Lanitis Development as "an intrinsic necessity for endowing the project with a truly sustainable character."

The beauty of Aphrodite Hills rests according to the environmental manager to the location of the site, but the uniqueness of the resort to the natural landscape of the area.

In addition to the mature olive and carob trees, thousands of Pistach lentiscus (the vigorously growing shrubs with the dark green leaves and the tiny red fruit during spring) dominate the landscape. These are supplemented by numerous grasses and native flowering plants which emerge year after year during the first rainfall in Autumn and disappear during the dry and hot summer months.

Although 70 per cent of the 234 hectare (578 acre) development will remain undisturbed during the construction process, still a lot of work and effort is required to help regenerate the natural vegetation on the disturbed areas the majority of which are steep cuts and embankments.

At Aphrodite Hills he is supervising closely the conservation activity being undertaken alongside construction work in order to ensure the protection and creation of natural habitats for plants and animal life.

Meanwhile plans are in hand for the creation of nature trails and paths for use by hikers in the Randidi Gorge and the Randi Forest.

Transport between the village centre, residential areas, golf course, spa and hotel is provided by electric karts similar to golf buggies.

In addition, plans are in hand for the introduction of a resort bus service to encourage residents to forget about using their cars.