PUBLIC PLACES


At the heart of the Derbyshire County Council-owned Elvaston Castle Country Park lies the gothic revival Elvaston Castle and its William Barron-designed winter garden


restored a penstock on the river to control water flow.”


The high water table has a significant impact on the trees and lawns, which can be under 30cm of water in winter; the ornamental lake is also earmarked for action.


“It needs dredging as it is fed from the River Derwent and silt has accumulated, with investigations needed on how it is lined. The estate is hugely popular with dog walkers and they love to see their dogs go into the lake, but unfortunately it contributes


to the erosion of the bank.” The lake was originally edged with distinctive and now rare tufa rock, but some modern repairs have been made with hard- wearing York stone to help minimise inevitable wear and tear. Tufa rock is still a major feature of the park, in grottoes, rock arches and the islands on the lake, but protecting them from damage, while allowing unfettered public access, is a fine balance. “People like to sit or climb on them, and we have to gently explain how fragile they


Ancient cedars are a trademark of English parkland; they suffer from waterlogging and compaction, and aeration equipment to work around their roots is being researched


are,” comments Gill.


Managing and protecting the topiaries is an important focus.


“Designed as a winter garden, most of the formal areas are evergreen, and largely ancient yew - there is even an Elvastonensis cultivar,” she explains. “Staff recently attended a yew symposium to learn about ways to restore and rejuvenate the trees, as they were badly affected by the hard winter and hot summer in 2018.” Remedial action includes letting spring growth persist rather than cutting back into


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