Building Arcadia: Creating a Forest Garden
The gardens are ‘growing’ at Shugborough Estate, as work is underway to re-design the walled garden and open access to closed areas of the historic gardens. This will include developing the National Trust's first Forest Garden.
Arcadia: Creating Paradise
We are in the begininng 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 are working behind the scenes to create a beautiful and more envrionmentally sustainable garden. We expect to open Arcadia in spring 2026.
Arcadia is a forest garden, where each plant is significant, using symbiotic planting to create a resilient eco-system which feeds itself, waters itself and fertilises itself. The diverse range of plants reduces competition, enables plants to thrive and builds resilience to pests, disease and the effects of climate change.
Visitors will be able to wander along paths through a variety of smaller interconnecting gardens, each home to plants which demonstrate a variety of forest garden principles and ecosystems. Each aiming to inspire visitors to take action in their own green spaces, no matter how big, or how 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.
Family-friendly things to do at Shugborough Estate
Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Shugborough Estate, from family trails to nature spotting, there's plenty of fun-filled adventures to be had.
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.