Landscape Design

Visitors now approach the house through the parkland rather than along the service drive. Panoramic views over the High Weald reveal Scotney’s picturesque character and heritage as part of their journey. Designed historic views have been reinstated by selective thinning and vegetation clearance allowing visitors to appreciate the ruined castle as they approach the Mansion as originally intended by Gilpin and the Husseys. Scotney operates at the intersection of heritage conservation, public access, education and visitor experience. Our approach deliberately disperses people into the parkland, encouraging them to explore the Grade I Listed Park and Garden before they reach the café, castle and shops. This extends the visitor experience and increases the resilience of the landscape.

As part of the project, we pioneered Biodiversity Net Gain with the National Trust’s inhouse team of ecologists, introducing species rich grasslands with seed collected by the rangers from the High Weald area, reintroduction of conservation grazing with a sixteen strong herd of longhorn and Sussex cattle, and protection of Ancient Woodland to allow areas of natural regeneration. As part of Reconnecting Scotney, the historic orchard and soft fruit gardens are being reinstated, reversing damage caused by the former car park. The orchard will be replanted using heritage species based on Hussey’s original layout and set within colourful meadows, augmented with bulbs. We researched Hussey’s original planting design which combines mixed fruit and nut trees to develop a highly ornamental, wildlife rich visitor attraction for The National Trust throughout the seasons. The first phase of the project is starting on site this spring.