Building Arcadia: Creating a Forest Garden
The gardens are ‘growing’ at Shugborough Estate with work underway to re-design the walled garden and open access to closed areas of the historic gardens. This includes developing the National Trust's first Forest Garden.
Arcadia: Creating Paradise
We are in the final stages of developing 'Arcadia: Every Garden Counts' – a new forest garden in the historic slip gardens here at Shugborough Estate. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers is working behind the scenes to create a beautiful, envrionmentally sustainable garden.
We expect to open Arcadia in autumn 2026.
Arcadia is a forest garden, where each plant is significant. Through symbiotic planting we're creating a resilient eco-system which feeds itself, waters itself and fertilises itself. A diverse range of species reduces competition, helps plants to thrive and builds resilience to pests, disease and the impacts of climate change.
Visitors will be able to wander along pathways that weave through smaller interconnecting gardens – each home to plants which demonstrate a variety of forest garden principles and ecosystems. Every space is designed to inspire visitors to take action in their own green spaces, no matter how big, or small.
"Forest Gardening is an innovative type of gardening. The range of plants reduces competition, enables plants to thrive and builds resilience to pests, disease, and the effects of climate change. Arcadia will be one of largest of its kind in the country, and aims to encourage visitors to try their hand at forest gardening at home."
Did you know?
Arcadia will be home to 80,000 plants
Here at Shugborough Estate we will be planting 80,000 plants in Arcadia. Using symbiotic planting, each plant has a role to play in a garden that feeds itself, waters itself and fertilises itself.
Forest Gardening can be done at home
No matter how big or small your plot, forest gardening principles can be applied at home, by making sure plants each have a purpose and help each other thrive.
We're planting a tree that tastes like Beef and Onion crisps
The Toona Sinensis tree tastes like Beef and Onion crisps and is just one of the edible trees that call Arcadia home. A key forest garden principle is that each plant has a significant role in the garden, from whether it is edible or it helps improve biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
History of the Walled Garden
Originally built in 1805, the grade II* listed Walled Garden was once a complex of productive gardens, including peach and pineapple houses, mushroom tunnels and orchard. The gardens were a hub of training, excellence and innovation. Today Shugborough continues this legacy by championing innovative techniques and taking part in apprenticeships and training schemes.
Book onto a walking talk and tour of the new garden
Join our Forest Garden Team on a walking talk of Arcadia: Every Garden Counts. You'll get a sneak peak of the developing garden and learn more about forest gardening principles.
Planting an Orchard at Shugborough Estate
Learn more about the conservation work at Shugborough Estate to reinstate an historic orchard.
Volunteer opportunities at Shugborough
Join the great team of volunteers working to restore and revive Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire for future generations.
Explore the garden at Shugborough
Explore the walled garden, formal gardens and arboretum at Shugborough in Staffordshire.
