Conservation projects at Fountains Abbey

Working in Studley Royal deer park at Fountains Abbey

In 1986 we became a World Heritage Site and, together with our property business plan, our World Heritage Site management plan forms the guidelines for our conservation work on site.

All in a day's work

Risk assessments, project timelines, research, reports, client briefs, costings and funding, interpretation and engagement... is all part of our work to care for this special place and that's what we're all about.
 
In 1986 we became a World Heritage Site and, together with our property business plan, our World Heritage Site management plan forms the guidelines for our conservation work on site.
 
Together with our partners, it’s our role to ensure this exceptional landscape is looked after now and in the future. 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.
 
As well as conservation work, day-to-day repairs and work on visitor facilities, there's also work to keep the holiday cottages looking great.
 
A number of energy-efficiency projects have also been completed over the last few years including new roof insulation for the Visitor Centre and the installation of a ground source heat pump.
 
If you join as a member or volunteer, have coffee in our restaurant or buy a treat from our shop, you're supporting our work and helping us look after this beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.
 
Below you'll find details of some of our current projects.
 
 

Conservation projects

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  • The Temple of Piety in Studley Royal water garden

    A new coat of limewash for the Temple of Piety

    The limewash on the exterior of the Temple of Piety needs refreshing this year. One of the garden statues, ‘Hercules and Antaeus’ will also be getting a new coat of limewash to restore it to its marble-effect white colour.

  • Three ladies stand and admire the beautiful studley lake surrounded by autumn trees.

    We’re repairing the dam crest where it has weakened in parts. The work will take about a month and during this time the level of the lake needs to be lowered.

  • A historical painting of Tent Hill

    Landscape work at Tent Hill

    We’re restoring the view of the lost folly at Tent Hill and getting the land on top ready for a new lawn and the return of the lost folly in a few years time. Tent Hill will be playing host to an exciting new artwork next year as part of our folly! art programme in the water garden.

  • Autumn colour and frost in Studley Royal water garden

    Conservation work in the east valley woodland

    This autumn we’ll be thinning out the woodland around the Temple of Piety, removing any trees that are damaged or at risk of causing damage to the temple, before carrying out a programme of replanting.

  • A small tree is reflected perfectly in the still autumn waters of the half moon reservoir at fountains abbey and studley royal.

    Flood management at half moon reservoir

    New sluice gates are being installed at half moon reservoir to help manage flood water and limit flood damage.

A Nebot painting of the formal part of the water garden

Statue conservation in the water garden 

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

Find out more
Rustic Cottage one of the lost garden buildings of the estate

Rustic Cottage dig 

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

Fountains Abbey with a winter sky

Technology reveals archaeological discovery  

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

How Hill Tower at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Rediscovering How Hill at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal 

Recent archaeology at How Hill tower may have unearthed a long-lost medieval chapel. Find out more about the work...