The story so far
The Westonbirt Project is comprised of a number of elements including the restoration of landscape features and improvements to our electricity supply and car parking arrangements. Later stages will focus on new facilities which will improve visitor experiences.
This is the story so far...
Repaired estate fence - November 2011
The first section of cast iron estate fencing was repaired in November 2011. Corrosion caused by water meant that the Victorian cast iron fences had gradually fallen over in places. This work, as part of the Higher Level Stewardship agreement, restored this fencing to its former glory.
Above: before and after repaired estate fence
Links
The role of estate boundaries and why we're repairing them.
Reinstated ha-ha - November 2011
Work to reinstate a ha-ha boundary between the Old Arboretum and the Downs where cattle graze took place in November 2011. This is an important part of the Higher Level Stewardship work on boundary restoration as many people see this part of the arboretum as they drive by.
Above: before and after reinstated ha-ha
Links
How the reinstated ha-ha fits into our programme of boundary restoration.
Strained wire fence - October 2011
As part of our Higher Level Stewardship agreement we reinstated a traditional strained wire fence alongside the Wellingtonia group known as the 'Three Sisters'. This replaced the modern post and wire stock fence.
Above: before and after strained wire fence
Links
Find out how the strained wire fence fits into our programme of boundary restoration on the blog.
Cast iron fence repair - October 2011
Railings and ha-has form an important part of an historic picturesque landscape and traditionally allowed livestock to graze parts of an estate while keeping them from the gardens. The restoration of these Victorian cast iron railings near Down Gate was made possible thanks to a Natural England Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement.
Above: before and after cast iron fence repair
Links
Read about the cast iron fence repairs and the context of other boundary restoration on the blog.
New ha-ha - March to September 2011
This stone wall boundary is part of the first phase of the Westonbirt Project which consists of the new Welcome Building, car park and Downs restoration. The ha-ha forms part of a new boundary between the new overflow car parking and the arboretum. The ha-ha will also link to the new Welcome Building.
Above: before and after the creation of the new ha-ha boundary
Links
Read about the start of the creation of the new ha-ha boundary on the blog.
How a number of volunteer work parties helped with the construction of the ha-ha.
Find out more
For further information visit the main Westonbirt Project page.
