Natural England - A much loved parkland in Richmond is set to receive a make-over, thanks to significant funding from Natural England
A much loved parkland in Richmond is set to receive a make-over, thanks to significant funding from Natural England
11 January 2010
Temple Grounds in Richmond is a Grade II registered parkland dating back to the 17th Century.
Nestling to the west of Richmond and bounded by the river Swale, the Grounds were originally developed around the mansion known as Yorke House. Whilst Yorke House was sadly demolished in the 1820s the parkland has survived to this day.
A management plan for the parkland is nearly finished. Natural England’s Historic Environment Adviser, Dr. Margaret Nieke, has been busy working on specific restoration proposals for the Green Walk. This is a grass terrace area cut close to the top of a natural ridge and retained by dry stone walls. The terrace dates back to the medieval period when it provided the principal walkway from where to view the landscape park and its wider setting.
So what is going to take place?
In recent years the stone walls have been disturbed by the mature trees which line it. This has caused parts of the walls to collapse, making the Green Walk unsafe. The first phase of the restoration work will concentrate on managing the trees. Much of this work will involve trimming and general maintenance, but sadly some of the trees which compromise the structure of the walls will have to be removed.
Great care has been taken to ensure that any trees which don’t affect the walls will be retained. In the short term there will be some noticeable loss of tree cover, but in the longer term, the remaining non damaging trees will quickly establish themselves.
Dr Margaret Nieke, Natural England Historic Environment Adviser said: "This is a fantastic project and I’m delighted to be involved. There is so much history behind Temple Grounds and it’s fantastic to think that we are giving it a new lease of life. The tree work is only the first step; it will play an important part in restoring the stone walls that define the Green Walk. It will also allow people to enjoy the area safely and ensure the health of the remaining trees for future generations to enjoy."
Val Hepworth from the Yorkshire Gardens Trust added: "As a local resident I will be glad to see the Green Walk restored to its former glory. The restoration work will allow local people and visitors alike to enjoy this special place."
Dr and Mrs Lawson who own Temple Grounds said: "We are very pleased with the advice and support we have received from Natural England. Restoration work like this is very sensitive and Dr Nieke has helped us through it. Now we are counting the days until summer, when the work is complete and we can take a stroll along the Green Walk."
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Notes to editors:
1. For further information contact:
Howard Botting on 0300 060 2035 or 077860 28824, howard.botting@naturalengland.org.uk or
Emma MacDonald on 0300 060 4231 or 07900 608073, emma.macdonald@naturalengland.org.uk
2. The project is funded through a Higher Level Stewardship agreement. HLS is the upper tier of Environmental Stewardship) and aims to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority situations and areas. This scheme involves more complex environmental management where land managers need advice and support. A wide range of management options are available, targeted to support key characteristics of the different areas of the English countryside.
Options include:
Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds
Creation of wet grassland areas for breeding and wintering waders and wildfowl and restoration of traditional water meadows
Management of hedgerows and the restoration of traditional orchards
Ancient trees in arable fields
Permissive footpath access or educational access for schools
3. Natural England is the government’s advisor on the natural environment. We provide practical advice, grounded in science, on how best to safeguard England’s natural wealth for the benefit of everyone. Our remit is to ensure sustainable stewardship of the land and sea so that people and nature can thrive. It is our responsibility to see that England’s rich natural environment can adapt and survive intact for future generations to enjoy. We work with farmers and land managers; business and industry; planners and developers; national, regional and local government; interest groups and local communities to help them improve their local environment.