Petworth Park, West Sussex

Restoration Management Plan

In order to restore the 283 hectare deer park landscaped by 'Capability' Brown, the National Trust appointed us to prepare a management plan under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. The plan had two objectives: firstly to properly identify the historic features of the park through archival research and site survey; and secondly to identify the necessary management works to restore the landscape, including the conservation of wildlife habitats, maintenance of the deer herd and accommodation of visitors.

With rare access to private family papers we were able to compile a groundbreaking, illustrated chronology of landscape development, including the revelation of Brown's impact on the greater landscape, as well as the immediate mansion setting. These previously undiscovered findings were used to inform the site work, define objectives and develop the strategies for the works on the ground.