Our work at Biddulph Grange Garden

The Chinese Temple in the area known as 'China' at Biddulph, Staffordshire — The Chinese Temple in the area known as 'China' at Biddulph | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Discover more about the work that's being undertaken at Biddulph Grange Garden to maintain and restore this masterpiece of Victorian garden design. This work is only made possible by your ongoing support.

Garden restoration

Biddulph Grange Garden is a Grade 1 listed garden, which is being restored to its Victorian heyday. The main source of inspiration and guidance for the restoration is a description of the garden by Edward Kemp. It was first published in the Gardener's Chronicle in 1862 and is the only detailed description of the ground on record.

The Golden Water Buffalo in the area known as 'China' at Biddulph, Staffordshire. The buffalo is seen lying down with its head up and a sun disc between its horns. The statue is surrounded by trees turning red and brown in autumn. — The Golden Water Buffalo in the area known as 'China' at Biddulph, Staffordshire | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Current Projects

Work is constantly being carried out by the gardening teams and conservation teams to ensure the smooth running of the site, as well as preserving the plant collections and historical elements of the garden. These include:

The Chinese Garden

Thanks to funds being raised through special edition pin badges and other donations, we are now in a position where we can carry out much needed restoration to the golden water buffalo in the China garden.

First, work will be carried out on the Grade II listed canopy above the buffalo statue. Scaffolding will be in place for approxiamtely two weeks in order for workers to gain access. The supporting struts will be partially replaced where wood rot is present to stabilise the structure. Once this has been completed, the canopy will be repainted.

In early September 2025, the buffalo will be regilded by specialist conservators from Skillingtons Workshop.

The Drawing Room

Conservation work on the Drawing Room began with the removal of wallpaper from sections of the coving.

Underneath, a hand-painted design by Henry Scholtz was uncovered. Henry Scholtz was a French decorator who worked with distinguished British interior designers Crace & Sons from the 1830s to 1890s. Crace & Sons were famous for work on Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. They also worked alongside architect Augustus Pugin to decorate the interior of the Houses of Parliament.