PUBLIC PLACES
Steve Porter
local contractors with specialist kit that are available and, in fact, one was there whilst I was on site, using a large stump grinder. Chatsworth do not hire out land as such but do run public events such as horse trials in the spring. They also operate a 9-hole golf course, a swimming pool, a gym and bowls club. All are open to membership and are affiliated to the estate. The total Estate, outside the garden and parkland, exceeds 25,000 acres, with the public areas, parkland covering 2,000 acres and the garden 105 acres.
Being affected by natural occurrences is usually manageable but, because they are in a valley, flooding of the River Derwent can be troublesome. There is a River Keeper employed responsible for the habitat and ensuring good flow.
Everyone has allocated tasks and, whilst some have special skill sets, most gardeners can chop and change if need be and handle most jobs. When a big job is underway, others can be called upon to assist. “The numbers are there if needed!” said Steve. I asked about presentation. “Obviously, it’s of the utmost importance!” Steve says “We
The hedge trimmers, Phoebe Chambers (left) and Mel Pudelko
maintain the highest horticultural practices and this is driven by the family” he adds. The family are very much engaged and passionate. People visit to see the wonderful garden and have expectations; they do not expect the place to be stuck in the past. Steve tells me that we need to remember that everything we see has been changed or manipulated by the family. In the 1750s for example, and with Capability Brown’s involvement, major changes included changing the course of the River Derwent, damming to create lakes and relocating the village of Edensor completely so that it was out of sight of the house! Brown also remodelled the landscape to the west of the house to create the lovely rolling vista you see now. Tens of thousands of trees were also planted at that time too; a huge planting programme.
The projects described are carried out by the in-house teams but, on occasions, students from nearby colleges or university can be supplied to help planting and gain experience. Apprentices are taken on, as described earlier, and this works well. Often volunteers or trainees have gained full-time employment.
Chatsworth ensure everyone working on site is suitably trained/qualified and there are 4-5 first aiders on each team but also extra for hazardous work. A Health and Safety officer is employed. Local fauna and flora are important too
and goes with the job, as does care for the environment. Most wild animals are tolerated but badgers are an issue at present (hence the badger proof fencing around the Arcadia Glade 4 planting!) Pheasants can be a nuisance also. There is a sustainability officer in place but all are aware of practices. Contact is maintained with the Environment Agency, particularly with regard to flooding and reservoir issues.
Machinery is sourced as and when required, usually fairly locally, but there is no brand allegiance. As Steve says; “We buy the best piece of equipment for the job and at the best price.” He also mentions that they are going down the electrically powered route for some kit. “An electric strimmer will not be as intrusive to visitors as a petrol one for example!”
One piece of kit that has paid dividends is their Amazone flail collector. “It saves so much manpower and is providing a better finish, enhancing the wildflower meadows; a great piece of kit!” says Steve.
Most day to day servicing is carried out in- house but large kit (tractors, etc.) are serviced by local dealerships to maintain warranty and proof of servicing. Steve tells me that his operating budget has been curtailed due to Coronavirus. Big projects are funded separately, but, like the operating budget, the bulk of costs are covered by the revenue generated from ticket sales for visitors to the house and
The 14m high Wellington Rock waterfall 110 PC October/November 2020
The Chatsworth Grounds and Garden team
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