Stourhead Garden Pathway

Location: Stourhead, Wiltshire

Client: National Trust

Architect: Land Use Consultants

Value: Not disclosed

SFK provided civil and drainage engineering input to landscape improvements as part of the Nation Trust’s Accessible to All initiative at the historic Stourhead Estate, working alongside the National Trust and wider design team.

The project progressed through RIBA Stages 2, 3 and 4, forming part of a carefully coordinated programme of planning, stakeholder engagement and phased delivery within a highly sensitive heritage landscape.

The scheme required integration of drainage and pavement construction within a nationally important historic setting, subject to rigorous planning, stakeholder consultation and environmental constraints. Coordination was required with multiple stakeholders including the National Trust, Wiltshire Council, Historic England and the Gardens Trust. The design also needed to respond to ecological and arboricultural sensitivities, while ensuring that proposed paths and landscape interventions were practical, accessible, durable and compatible with the historic character of the estate.

SFK contributed to design development, planning pack preparation and coordination, cost reviews and stakeholder engagement, including consultation events and pre-application discussions.

Trial installations of sample paths were undertaken to inform design decisions. The team supported planning submission and subsequent determination.

The project successfully navigated complex planning and stakeholder requirements, delivering a coordinated and sensitive design ready for construction.

SFK’s input ensured that all civil engineering elements were fully integrated within the landscape proposals, supporting sustainable water management while preserving the historic and environmental significance of the Stourhead Estate.

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