Conservation projects at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Risk assessments, project timelines, research, reports, client briefs, costings and funding, interpretation and engagement... is all part of our work to care for this World Heritage Site - that's what we're all about. Managing the impact of flooding, adapting to climate change, conservation work, sharing the stories of this amazing place are all key priorities in the work we do.

River Skell at Fountains Abbey evening sun

The Skell Valley Project 

Following a successful bid for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Trust and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are now in the delivery phase of the Skell Valley Project. The £2.5 million scheme will start later in 2021 and run to 2024.

The finished river wall

Propping up the river walls 

All those years ago when the monks first came to this secluded valley they decided to move the river, building walls to guide it through the valley. However, the years have taken their toll...

The Temple of Piety at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

The Temple of Piety's new groove 

The Temple of Piety is nearly 300 years old so the temple was in need of a little bit of love and attention. Find out about it's brand new look for 2018.

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No more soggy feet in Fountains Abbey 

The River Skell runs straight through the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate. It's beautiful, full of life and a tranquil place except... Find out what we're doing to prevent a soggy experience in the abbey.

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Painting the statues in Studley Royal water garden 

The statues of the water garden are wearing a new shade of white following conservation work last autumn...

Fountains Abbey with a winter sky

Technology reveals archaeological discovery at Fountains Abbey 

Groundbreaking technology reveals location of monks' cemetery and new evidence of their burial rituals at Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.

Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre, North Yorkshire

Things are heating up at Fountains Abbey 

The Fountains Abbey World Heritage Site, which was once a self-sustainable hub, is now partly powered by the sun’s warmth following the recent completion of a ground source heat pump.

Rustic Cottage one of the lost garden buildings of the estate

Revealing Rustic Cottage at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal 

Last September archaeologists dug trial trenches to find the remains of Rustic Cottage – one of the lost follies of the estate.

a view across studley lake towards the fishing tabernacles

Looking to the future at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal 

Just like a vulnerable work of art, the years have taken their toll on the extensive eighteenth century garden at Studley Royal. With every passing year its features have become faded and blurred; clouding the former glory of this distinctive and much cherished part of Yorkshire.

The Dying Gladiator statue in place at Studley Royal water garden

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal: A World Heritage Site 

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal sits on the world stage. The 18th-century water garden, incorporating some of the largest Cistercian abbey ruins in Europe achieved the status of a World Heritage Site. Find out what exactly a World Heritage Site is and how that impacts the work we do.

Couple watching deer in the deer park at Studley Royal

Looking after the deer at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal  

Find out more about how we manage the deer throughout the year to ensure we have a healthy herd.

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