Restoring an old favourite

The Brief

Over 10 years on from completing the most challenging project to date (project 55) we returned to revitalise this stunning hillside water feature. The aim was to tame planting that had become too overgrown, construct new steps, routes and paths with reclaimed materials and to re-establish edges and shape.

The goal was to do all this without ruining the beautiful age and character that the feature had built up over 10 years!

The Concept

We began by getting the waders on and working up the ponds and streams to have a real clear out of the overgrown aquatic and marginal plants. After this we began re establishing the borders surrounding the stream and ponds helping the eye to be able to once again see the winding shape coming down the hillside.

By using re claimed logs and bark we’ve set in these rustic paths and steps into the banks which lead around the feature in a complete circuit and make it much safer to walk around and enjoy. A final set of stone steps leads down to the lower pond and picks up the style of the existing stonework from the patio where the summer house stands.

Once the ponds have settled and the aquatic plants re-emerge during spring/summer the impact of this much needed effort will be clear to see, but for the middle of Winter the sight of that cascading water will satisfy us for now!!

Thank you T+M here’s to another 10!

Location: Armathwaite