Project will restore Attingham Park walk to former glory

Landscaping and tree felling is taking place in the grounds of the house in Atcham as part of attempts to restore the Mile Walk section of the park to its former glory. The gardening team has been planning the work to bring the walk back to its original design for some years.

Ornamental shrubs are to be re-planted in an attempt to bring back its historic look.

Visitors to the park will be able to see some of the work taking place over the next two weekends, while the countryside management team will be on hand to answer questions about the restoration scheme.

The scheme will be open to visitors between 11am and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, with the same times on January 19 and 20.

Lisa Zakovics, engagement warden at Attingham Park, welcomed the chance to share the project.

"This is a fantastic and unusual opportunity for people to come along and see landscaping and tree surgery in action," she said.

"It is also the perfect chance to ask questions about our careful woodland management here at Attingham Park."

There is no extra admission charge to watch the work take place.

The grounds are open from 9am to 5pm or dusk, if that falls earlier, every day in January. The mansion is now closed to visitors except for guided tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Attingham Park was built for the 1st Lord Berwick in 1785 and was in continuous ownership of the family for more than 160 years.

Highlights on the estate, which is now open to the public as a National Trust property, include the Deer Park and the Walled Garden.

Anyone who wants more information can call 01743 708162 or visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attinghampark

By Chris Burn