In June 2006 we began a three year project to restore the Monk Coniston Estate with a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Plans are well underway to help visitors enjoy this beautiful corner of the Lake District and bring alive the fascinating story of how the landscape was created.
We aim to:
Find out more about:
 
© National Trust
Aims
Spread the word...
About this historically significant landscape, how it has been shaped by man, the stunning scenery and the wealth of wildlife. Our Community Learning Officer will also be working with schools and other community groups to make the Monk Coniston Estate a centre for learning.
New access routes
A brand new route through the grounds of Monk Coniston Hall is now open. This path links Monk Coniston with Tarn Hows and allows visitors to enjoy the tree collection and see the walled garden, currently being renovated. It also links the Monk Coniston Estate with the National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola.
© National Trust / David Ward
Re-surfacing of the circular path around Tarn Hows is now complete, providing an improved surface for all, especially users of wheelchairs and pushchairs. A new off-road path at the head of Coniston Water is also newly open.
New facilities, Tarn Hows
A new building with toilets and an education room was opened in May 2008 at Tarn Hows. Providing WCs at a rural site is an environmental challenge; ours uses a low water use system, is clad with locally sourced larch and has a growing sedum roof.
The much-needed education room contains information and interactive displays about the fascinating history and ecology of the area, including an artwork of ceramic tiles depicting the trees of Tarn Hows.
For more information click here
© National Trust
Walled garden renovation
We will be rescuing the walled garden at Monk Coniston Hall, which is overgrown with weeds. The crumbling garden walls have been repaired and the process of rediscovering the 1890s pathways is well underway.
- Come and help us find the ‘lost gardens of Monk Coniston’ and reclaim them for all to enjoy once more!
© National Trust
Funding
This project is being made possible thanks to a grant of £450,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund with supporting funding from The National Trust, the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund, Cumbria Vision, The Tourism and Conservation Partnership and private donors.
Development of the project brings together almost five years of research into the history of the Estate and consultations to make sure the National Trust aims match those of our visitors and local residents.
© National Trust
Volunteering
Slash! Burn! Dig! Discover! Research!
An enthusiastic group of volunteers are helping us with garden restoration work; clearing vegetation, path building, seeking archaeological evidence, path building and carrying out historical research.
The project offers a great opportunity to be part of the transformation of this currently overgrown and unused garden, gaining new skills and knowledge along the way.
© National Trust
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