History

In 1995 the Hestercombe Gardens Project started the restoration of the Landscape Garden. For the previous thirty years it had been managed as commercial forestry following the clear felling of the eighteenth century parkland, for its timber value in 1963.

The lakes which had become completely silted up, were dredged, removing over seventeen thousand tons of silt. The original views were opened once more and the remaining buildings restored.

In April 1997, the garden was opened to the public for the first time in 125 years. Although the main features of the garden have been secured, the work of restoration will continue for many years to come.

Visitors will have the opportunity to follow the progress of the garden as it is returned to it full eighteenth century glory.