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.

Looking over the half moon pond from Surprise view at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

Find out more about moving power cables under ground at Fountains Abbey 

The National Trust are working in partnership with Northern Powergrid and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to underground the remaining power cables on the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate.

Eavestone, one of the undiscovered gems in the Skell Valley which the project will help uncover

The Skell Valley Project 

Conservation is at the heart of what we do so there was a lot of excitement at the announcement of a successful first funding application from Heritage Lottery Fund for the Skell Valley Project. Working closely with Nidderdale AONB, the project is set to tackle flooding, nature conservation and access to the Skell Valley.

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.

Laying a water permeable path in Fountains Abbey

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.

The conservation team working on the statue of Neptune in the water garden

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.

Walking in autumn sun at Fountains Abbey

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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