Opening up the views

When we took over Shugborough Estate in 2016, this view was blocked by a series of large Rhododendrons. In our efforts to restore the Estate to how it would have looked to the Anson family, we made the decision to remove these Rhododendrons and expose to the original beds from the early mid-19th century.

These plants have not just been removed so we can enjoy the view. We inherited Rhododendron ponticum, which is a brutal plant that may carry Phytophthora ramorum, a disease that kills Oak and other species of trees and plants. 

We hope to reinstate hybrid Rhododendrons into the space. We’re beginning to propagate our own Shugborough-grown Rhododendrons from existing hybrid plants that remain around the gardens.  However, this takes a long time and a lot of money, so this project is unlikely to be completed for several years.

In the meantime, take a walk around Shugborough and enjoy being teased by the Doric Temple before being whisked left to the grandeur of the Mansion. Talking these walks supports us so we can complete these important conservation projects.