A £3.8m grant is going to restore the much loved Stanmer Park and Estate to its former glory.
The lottery-funded Stanmer Park and Estate Restoration Project will see around 20 hectares of the park’s landscape and listed buildings restored and given new life. The ambitious landscaping scheme will see the parkland return close to the original 18th century design.
250 new trees will be planted, others will be relocated and groups of self-seeded trees removed.
The walled garden will be restored to become the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the newly-restored park. Dating from around 1727, the garden was originally used to grow food and plants for Stanmer House and currently houses the council’s plant nursery. Plans will see the whole area transformed to include a new garden centre, café and seating area alongside a formal garden with water feature. Plumpton College will lead on developing and managing the garden.
The Permaculture Trust’s orchard will be stocked with new apple trees.
A listed barn beside the walled garden will be restored and put back into use.
The original Green Drive will be recreated providing an attractive shared route for pedestrians and cyclists from the Lower Lodges through the parkland.
The Frankland Monument, erected in memory of MP Frederick Frankland in 1775 on the edge of the great wood is currently in poor condition and hidden from view. The scheme will see this listed monument restored.
Unregulated and chaotic parking will cease. Visitors will be encouraged to park at the Lower Lodges entrance and a new car park will be created on The Patchway for visitors to the walled garden, Stanmer House and village businesses.
Parking at the front of Stanmer House will be removed, creating a simple and open arrival area,
A rainwater catcher built around 1870 to provide clean water for Stanmer House will be restored.
Work on the ground is due to start early in 2018 and be completed the following year.