The dams project at Prior Park Landscape Garden

Things are a bit different at Prior Park at the moment, 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.

This current project in our continuing restoration of the garden is focussing 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 are now getting 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 has stood empty for the last few years to relieve the pressure on the dam. The current 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 are focussing on improving the dam's infrastructure and capability, as well as re-profiling 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.