How to make best use of small area over the stream?

[jenthehen]

We live in a rural valley but unlke many village houses we have quite a small garden. It runs the length of the house and some curved stone steps lead to a lower level where there is a small stream (sunken between stone walls about 3ft wide). A narrow bridge crosses the stream leads to the area in question. To one side of the bridge I have a shady hosta garden with bluebells in Spring, ,to the right hand side there is a cleared space about 2.5m sq (approx).The bottom of the garden is hawthorn hedge and to the right a rail fence which borders my neighbours (wild ) but pretty woodland. I'd like to make the best use of this space and would like suggestions.....my thoughts are a simple plank bench on a gravel (Cotswold stone?) area but I have concerns..

1. How do I stop it looking too urban in a rural setting?
2. How do I stop nettles , brambles etc coming in from next doors wood? And the sheep field behind(But I'd still like to 'borrow' the view of the bluebells and pretty stream meandering through their land)

3.. An old apple tree (very pretty blossom) overhangs my area and I think windfall apples and blossom would make the area look messy Any garden design suggestions? Thank you

Has anyone used self binding gravel? (Seen it used on many gardening shows)

Any pics of the area in question? I don't think anything will stop nettles, better just keep pulling them up as you find them!

I think a bench near running water sounds absolutely idyllic.

No idea what self-binding gravel is...... but whatever it is, it does not sound remotely 'woodlands', tbh.

Thanks NotMary, self binding gravel is the type of surface they use in most National Trust properties as paths, a sandy colour. I have previously put bark down over membrane but it just seemed to be a good growing medium.

How big is the space? It sounds like you want to be able to sit down there, so I would try to put covered seating to keep it free from falling debris. A rustic wood hut or similar?

Hmm something like a small arbour perhaps. It’s a tiny space, about 2m by 2m.