Work to reinstate important features of Castle Howard’s designed landscape enters its second phase following the successful restoration of the our central lime avenue earlier this year, which has seen the avenue removed from the Historic England Heritage at Risk register.

The second phase of work will focus on the restoration of the 18th century obelisk ponds which span the avenue. Over the years the ponds have become overgrown, their original clay liners have degraded and they are no longer watertight. This has resulted in unsightly dry basins where the pools of water should be.

Nicholas Howard comments: ‘Water is a fundamental part of our designed landscape and the ponds and lakes which dot the estate are an integral part of the original 18th century garden plans. They create important breaks and low level viewpoints as well as being a rich habitat for the huge amount of flora and fauna across the estate. The obelisk ponds are one of the final features along our avenue to be reinstated and their restoration will complete our grand approach.’

The two ponds are the last of a series of five interconnected ponds and must be dug out and relined with puddle clay to ensure they will hold water. Work will then be carried out to improve the flow of water from the preceding ponds.

The northern end of the lime avenue will also undergo work, with a combination of pruning, felling and replanting ensuring it is returned to the 18th century planting plan and safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.

Nicholas Howard continues: ‘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 are conserved and protected for the future.’

This 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, and visitor income, we are able to continue to invest in the conservation and restoration of both the built environment and the designed landscape which make up the estate.