Castle Howard is about to embark on a programme of restoration to the trees lining the grand processional approach to the 18^th century house ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations of visitors.

The 800 lime trees which make up the central section of the Avenue are an important feature of Castle Howard’s Grade 1 listed parkland and now require intervention to secure their future and to remove the Avenue from the English Heritage at Risk Register.

This vital restoration work has been made possible thanks to substantial grant aid through a Higher Level Stewardship scheme supported by Natural England. With the help of grants such as this Castle Howard is able to continue to invest in the conservation and restoration of both the built environment and the designed landscape which make up the Yorkshire estate.

Nicholas Howard comments: “With almost 2,000 acres of woodland, trees play a hugely important role in the estate’s appearance and history; it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure that important vistas, such as the Avenue are conserved and protected for the future.

Over the years trees have been lost to disease, weather damage or over safety concerns, which has resulted in a fragmented and varied appearance, particularly in the winter months when the trees are bare. This work will ensure the avenue is safe-guarded for the future and its striking appearance maintained.”

Of the trees which make up the central section of the Avenue, only 60 will be felled with a further 200 having some form of tree surgery. The look of the Avenue will then be re-established through the planting of over 300 new trees

Dr. Margaret Nieke, Natural England Historic Environment specialist, stated: “The remarkable visual appearance of the avenue as a backbone which dissects the estate as well as its important place in the history of Castle Howard are not the only points of significance. As one of the oldest avenues of veteran trees in the country, it is also home to a variety of flora and fauna which must be protected. We are delighted to work with the Castle Howard Estate and help protect and improve these important historical and landscape trees for future generations to enjoy.”