A big milestone has been reached in a project to create the National Trust’s first forest garden at a historic site in Staffordshire.
Work has begun to plant 80,000 plants which will make up Arcadia: Every Garden Counts, which is being created in part of the eight-acre walled garden at the Shugborough Estate in Milford, near Stafford.
The planning and the design of the project started in 2022 with work beginning in March 2023.
As the area was overgrown and hadn’t been maintained for decades, a lot of brambles had to be cleared. The team has moved and spread over 100 tonnes of mulch and a lot of bark chip, and new paths went in over the winter.
It is expected the forest garden will open to free flow visiting in Spring 2026, but walking tours are due to start this summer.
General Manager Hayley Mival said: “Historically, the gardens at Shugborough have been a centre for innovation, embracing new technologies and techniques, we are thrilled to be continuing this legacy by developing the National Trust’s first forest garden.
“Opening in Spring 2026, Arcadia will harness the brilliance of plants, using their properties to create a productive yet environmentally important ecosystem, whilst being a peaceful, contemplative and fully accessible sanctuary for visitors to enjoy.”
A forest garden is designed as an agronomic system of up to seven layers which mimic natural planting and work together to result in an area that is both beautiful and more environmentally sustainable.
The 80,000 plants being put in at Shugborough will work symbiotically to create a resilient eco-system which feeds itself, waters itself and fertilises itself.
Senior Gardener Lizzie Pellowe said: “Forest Gardening is an innovative type of gardening. The range of plants reduces competition, enables plants to thrive and builds resilience to pests, disease, and the effects of climate change.
“Arcadia will be one of the largest of its kind in the country and aims to encourage visitors to try their hand at forest gardening at home.”
The project has been part funded by the DEFRA Trees For Climate programme through Forest of Mercia CIC, as well as HSBC UKand funds raised through donations from NT Associations and individual donors.
It is part of a wider project of conservation and visitor facility improvements at Shugborough Estate and act as the gateway to exploring the rest of the estate.
