For Burghley House Preservation Trust
Restoration of a pond cascade, and improved habitat for a protected species
We restored and repaired a cascade of trout hatchery ponds in these historic gardens, and improved the habitat of a protected crayfish.
A system of 11 ponds
One of the finest surviving Elizabethan houses in England, Burghley House has more than 2000 acres of gardens and parkland. One of its most intriguing features however, is its cascade of 11 ponds, leading to a showstopping lake.
Lovingly restored and enhanced
As part of a restoration project, we removed invasive species, silt and vegetation from the ponds, and repaired the historically engineered sluices, weirs and silt traps – bringing them back to full working order. Wherever possible, we used the original Staffordshire blue bricks, to mirror the aesthetic of Burghley House.
In addition, through an ingenious system of refuges and ladders to help movement upstream, we constructed and improved habitat for the protected white clawed crayfish too. The result was a new lease of life for the ponds, an even more beautiful attraction for visitors, and a safer, nicer place to live for the crayfish.
