The dams project at Prior Park Landscape Garden

Things will be different at Prior Park in 2019, as the garden undergoes an exciting, yet crucial, restoration project on its 18th-century dams.

What are we doing?

Since the National Trust started caring for Prior Park Landscape Garden in 1993, the aim has been to restore the Georgian landscape to its 1764 splendour, how the garden looked at the time of creator Ralph Allen's death.

The next project in our continuing restoration of the garden will focus on the historic dams at the lower end of the garden. Built in the mid-1700s, both time and the destructive American signal crayfish have taken their toll on these structures, and the dams need major and expert attention to make them fit for the 21st century.

 

Why are we doing it?

  • To restore the reflections and the historic cascade.

  • For long term resilience against extreme weather events and to undertake repair works.

  • To restore the historic landscape.

  • To improve visitor experience.

How are we doing it?

The middle bank between the middle and lower lakes, the bank is overgrown and the cascade between the two is running dry.

The works on the middle dam  

The restoration of the middle dam is a crucial element of the dams project. The middle lake is currently empty to relieve the pressure on the dam. The proposed works will help return the lake to its former glory and restore its reflections.

The view from the lower lake up the landscape garden, there is overgrown vegetation and the banks are slipping into the water.

The works on the lower dam  

Another important aspect of the dams project is the future-proofing of the lower dam. The works on this part of the garden will focus on improving the dam's infrastructure and capability, as well as re-enforcing the lakes damaged banks.

What will the impact of the works be?

A view down to the Palladian Bridge through luscious plant growth, the bridge is reflected in the top lake

Dams project FAQs 

We're sure you have lots of questions about the dams project and what it will mean for Prior Park in 2019. Throughout the project, this page will be updated with answers to your frequently asked questions

Two adult swans and their young cygnets on Prior Park's Lake

Protecting Prior Park's wildlife during the dams project 

Protecting and conserving the natural environment for the animals that call Prior Park home, is an essential part of our work. As such, we are carefully assessing the potential impact that the works may have on the garden's wildlife and we're taking appropriate measures to ensure that any disturbance is minimal.

How you can help

A woman and a man in walking gear look at a map in front of Prior Park's Palladian Bridge

The 'Palladian Way' fundraising walk 

In March 2019, General Manager Tom and Head Gardener Alice walked 123 miles to raise money for the upcoming restoration of Prior Park's eighteenth-century dams.

The lower lake as it currently stands, it still holds water but the banks are unstable and it is full of silt.

The dams appeal 

We have already secured £2.1 million to fund the dams project, but we're still fundraising for the final £100,000 needed to ensure we can complete the works. With your help we can restore the dams, reinstate the paths and refill the lakes, so visitors can enjoy tranquil reflections once again.

Three woman and one man wearing running gear, look very wet after a long run.

The team at Prior Park are running the Bath Half 

In March 2019, a group of staff, volunteers and supporters ran the 'Bath Half' to help raise funds for the dams project.