WIREDGOV

The restoration of a historic parkland landscape in Leicestershire has been recognised at a prestigious annual architectural awards ceremony.

The works to safeguard the rare surviving features of the 18th Century parkland landscape at Stanford Hall near Lutterworth received a commendation award in the ‘Restoration of a Georgian garden or landscape’ category from The Georgian Group, the national charity dedicated to preserving Georgian buildings and gardens.

With support from a Natural England Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, Nicholas Fothergill of Stanford Hall has created new wildlife habitats, restored the estate’s historic ‘Charles I bridge’; repaired the Cascade bridge and reinstated traditional Georgian-period parkland railings and gates.  A ‘Ha-Ha’ – a ditch which stops livestock getting to the hall while maintaining the view – has also been restored along with a deer shelter, the old forge and a piggery.

The Charles I Bridge is rumoured to have been used by the king at the time of the Battle of Naseby.  It was on the verge of crumbling into the river Avon but has now been restored to its former glory using traditional building techniques and materials.

The grounds of the Hall are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in recognition of the rare lichen species found in the parkland.  The restoration work has been carried out carefully to ensure that the important natural biodiversity of the site has been safeguarded.  The galvanised roof of the deer hut has been replaced with thatch and the bridge, gates and iron railings repaired in ways that ensured that colonies of lichen were left undisturbed.

David Prichard, Natural England Land Management adviser, said: "The work has been funded through one of our environmental stewardship scheme which has helped to enhance the wildlife value of the historic parkland, improve the experience for visitors, and return the grounds to their former glory for people to enjoy."

The landowner, Nicholas Fothergill, and architects Donald Insall Associates worked in partnership with Natural England, English Heritage, the Environment Agency and Harborough District Council in completing the works at the Stanford Hall parkland.

Robert Bargery of the Georgian Group added:  “This was a well-deserved award for an excellent project that demonstrated a really good marriage of nature and building conservation.  By working closely with Natural England, the Standford Hall estate team has successfully achieved our triple objectives of successfully bringing together nature, landscape and building conservation.”

The Georgian Group’s Architectural Awards, sponsored by international estate agents Savills and now in their tenth year, recognise exemplary conservation and restoration projects in the United Kingdom and reward those who have shown the vision and commitment to restore Georgian buildings and landscapes.  The 2012 awards were presented on 31 October at Christie’s in London by The Bishop of London.

For further information (media enquiries only) please contact David Hirst, Natural England press officedavid.hirst@naturalengland.org.uk
Twitter: @NaturalEngland

Additional notes:

• Stanford Hall is the ancestral home of the Cave family, the hall was built in the 1690s for Sir Roger Cave on the site of an earlier manor house.  It is considered a fine example of William and Mary period architecture of the late 17th century. The architect was William Smith of Warwick.

• During World War II the hall was a safe home for nuns from the Convent of the Sacred Heart and it was used as a school for girls evacuated from London. After the war, the roof was uncared for and in serious need of repair, but fortunately a grant to repair the building was secured and the hall was opened to the public in 1958.

About Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship schemes are administered by Natural England, on behalf of Defra, and fund farmers and land managers throughout England to deliver effective environmental management on their land.

• Promote public access and understanding of the countryside

• Protect the historic environment and natural resources

• Maintain and enhance landscape quality and character

• Conserve biodiversity