The Project
Severn Partnership was commissioned to provide specialist surveying services at Shugborough Estate, a National Trust property near Stafford.
The project formed a key part of the Estate’s wider regeneration programme, focused on restoring elements of the historic walled gardens and associated structures to their original state. Unlike many of our conventional infrastructure or development schemes, this project allowed us to contribute directly to the conservation of an important piece of the UK’s heritage.
Client Brief
Due to the protected and sensitive nature of the estate and project, the National Trust required highly accurate survey data to support the restoration design and planning process. Particular attention was needed to locate and document sub-surface and standing structures, including glasshouses, boiler houses, and garden walls, many of which date back to the estate’s heyday as a Georgian working garden.
Survey Scope
Our work combined a detailed topographical survey and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey.
The requirements for the survey included:
· Non-intrusive investigations of the walled garden to locate the historic glasshouse walls, brick piers, and boiler houses.
· Minimise disruption to sensitive heritage structures.
· Alignment checks and level confirmation for pond coping stones and garden structures along with locating incoming and outgoing historic drainage routes.
· A full topographic survey across the site with a 5x5m grid of levels.
· Contribute to sustainable restoration planning by reducing the need for further exploratory excavations.
· Support the National Trust’s long-term vision for enhancing the historic and environmental value of Shugborough Estate.
Challenges and Solutions
Working within a historic environment presented unique challenges. Many of the structures were fragile, buried, or partially exposed. By using a combination of traditional topographical methods and modern GPR techniques, we were able to deliver highly accurate data giving the client an indication of where to excavate to expose the structures with intrusive works minimising the need to have extensive excavations searching for the structures.
Deliverables
· 3D Topographic Survey Model
· Ground Penetrating Radar survey report – Detailing GPR data quality, where GPR was completed and what structures could be located.
The deliverables for this project provided precise geospatial data to support accurate design and future reconstruction of the site.
Project Outcome
The comprehensive survey data is now being used by the National Trust and its specialist contractors to plan and execute the restoration of elements of the Walled Garden and surrounding structures, enabling a historically faithful regeneration of the gardens while preserving important archaeological evidence.
Testimonial
“When originally built, the Walled Garden at Shugborough was a hub of education and innovation in horticulture. Through careful re-design, we aim to restore areas of the Walled Garden and continue this legacy for the enjoyment of future generations. We’re very grateful for the thoughtful advice and technical expertise of Severn Partnership to help us get started on this exciting journey.”
Helen Royall, National Trust, Shaping Shugborough Project Manager
Connor Davis Comments: “The project presented some unique challenges that differ from your average topographic and underground mapping survey. By utilising the latest GPR technology we were able to easily identify the buried structures that were expected to be present along with some additional unexpected, buried structures. The information we have provided has helped the National Trust to start with detailed designs and restoration plans to restore elements of the walled garden back to its original condition for all visitors to enjoy.”
Social Value & Heritage Impact
This project highlights the role modern surveying can play in conserving the UK’s historic environments. By helping safeguard Shugborough’s unique gardens for future generations, Severn Partnership is proud to contribute not only to technical excellence but to cultural and environmental stewardship.
Project Manager
Connor Davis MCInstCES, Severn Partnership