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16. Area 3B: South Park, Arrington Drive approach

LocationArea 3B is located in the south-west part of the South Park. It covers a large, roughly trapezoid area, to the west of Areas 3A and 4A (Figure 16.1).

The area is bound to the north, west and south sides by a tree belt. To the west of this is a busy road, separating the park from Arrington village. To the east, Area 3B is separated from Areas 3A and 4A by stock fencing, and a short stretch of metal railing (around the pond in the central-eastern section).

Figure 16.1. Location of Area 3B within the park to the southwest of the Hall. Aerial photograph dates to 2007.Source: NT.

Character of the areaArea 3B as a whole has a very open character; most of this area is also flat. The exception to this is the area’s north-eastern part which consists of the steep south-western slopes of Park Hill. These slopes provide the main focal point in this area, and formerly also contained the Hill House near its top (just across the boundary with Area 3A) (Figure 16.2).

Park Hill is backed by a thick tree belt to its north. In contrast, the tree belt on the area’s western and southern sides is rather thin.

The Arrington Gates are located in the southern part of the western tree belt. Although this entrance has lost its historic relevance, it is still an impressive gateway, providing for a drastic change of scenery when entering through its metal gates into the parkland. From here, the Arrington Drive cuts through Area 3B, roughly through its middle.

Wimpole’s Registered Park: Tree Planting Plan – Area 3B

Small clumps of trees and individual trees are scattered in the fields (pasture) on either side of the Drive. Most of the mature trees are located in small clumps to the south of and close to the Drive, in the far north of the field, near the thick tree belt, and at the lower slopes of Park Hill; these trees consist mainly of Horse Chestnuts, Oak, Beech and Black Walnut.

In addition, two densely planted round copses are particularly noticeable in the western half of the area: one each is placed on either side of the Drive, in the middle of the fields; both contain particularly tall trees (mainly planes, horse-chestnuts and ash).

The south-eastern part of the area contains small but dense woodland around the southern part of Spring Ponds, and a small Oak-lined tree avenue to its south. Directly to the north of the Drive, at the eastern end of Area 3B, is the western end of the Walnut Avenue. Several mature trees in the far north-east corner belong to the westernmost end of the ‘One-and-a-half-avenue’ (limes) and the former Double Lime Avenue (Limes), with the junction between these two avenues still marked by one impressive, mature Oak.

In several parts of Area 3B trees have been planted during the 1980s and 1990s, including a number of Lime trees in the south-eastern part of the area; a group of mainly Beech just to the west of Spring Ponds; and several groups of trees on the slopes of Park Hill. The latter includes a relatively large densely-planted group of trees to the south-west of the quarry, around the mature Beech and Black Walnut trees here.


Figure 16.2. Aerial photo (taken in 2007) of Area 3B. Notice that in the generally open landscape in this area the two densely planted round copses stand out. Source: NT.

Designations and other constraints- The whole area falls within the Grade I Park and Garden.- The area directly borders a large SM to its east, and falls thus within its

setting. Ridge-and-furrow, as well as remains of a deserted medieval village


continues in Area 3B across the SM boundary. Earthworks belonging to a medieval road are also visible, particularly in the south-eastern part of Area 3B (Figures 16.3 and 16.4).

- The whole area is part of the setting of the Grade I listed Hall.- The Arrington Gates is designated as a Listed Building (Grade II).- Wimpole Park is designated as a County Wildlife Site.- Great-crested newts and Water voles are known from Spring Ponds.- Bat roosts and badger sets are known in the north-western part of the tree

belt.- The Arrington Drive is a Public Rights of Way (part of the Harcamlow Way

public footpath);

Figure 16.3. Archaeological data (RCHME, 2003) superimposed on the 1886 1st edition OS map for Area 3B (southern part). This shows a former medieval road directly in line with the pond, to its east (light purple – is boundary with Area 3A -), with a possible enclosure to is south. To the south-west of the pond are the southernmost two plots of the medieval Bennall End settlement, one showing a clear house platform. Furthermore, ridge and furrow of the former furlongs is visible. Source: RCHME, 2003 and CMP (draft), 2006.


Figure 16.4. Archaeological earthwork data (RCHME, 2003) superimposed on the 1886 1st edition OS map for Area 3B (northern part). This shows the extent of ridge-and-furrow and associated earthworks still present here. The ‘modern infilling’ is an area that was shaped by bulldozer in the 1950s/60s, as part of the clear-up of the former WWII field hospital. Source: RCHME, 2003 and CMP (draft), 2006.

Known and likely future developmentsNo developments are known for this area, although an increase of public use of this area is expected, due to the promotion of the parkland through the ‘Visitor Experience Plan’ (in development). An increase of use for walking and cycling could be expected, potentially resulting in increased wear-and-tear and higher erosion levels.

Historical development of the area and its treesArea 3B was outside of the park at the time of Hare’s 1638 map (Figure 16.5). During the latter half of the seventeenth century, the park was extended in this direction. Bridgeman’s c1721 proposal map shows the extent of this parkland (Figures 16.6 and 16.7). The south-western boundary of the estate at this stage runs through the (currently) oak-lined avenue in the south-east corner of Area 3B (planted on either side of the 17th century boundary fosse here), just to the south of Spring Ponds - following the old settlement boundary -, then skirts along the base of Park Hill, ending in the northern part of the western tree belt. Part of this line is still visible in the landscape as earthworks.

In the late 17th century, the Walnut Avenue was extended south-westwards to the new park boundary. During the 1690s the ‘Fir Walk’ was also created; this avenue, planted with ‘Fir’ (Pinus sylvestris), run from Park Hill in a SW-NE direction on the higher ground to the west of the Hall (most of the avenue is located in the adjacent areas 3A and 2B). This avenue is now known as the ‘One-and-a-half-avenue’, with the current trees (Limes) planted in 1800, after the fatal 1795 storm.


Figure 16.5. Part of the 1638 Hare map, showing the area between Arrington (row of houses on left) and the old manor house, before the extension of the parkland in the second half of the seventeenth century, which included the removal of the Bennall End settlement. This map also shows the course of the road from Arrington, curving around the southern edge of the field called ‘Arrington Ground’. Source: Adshead 2007.

Bridgeman also planted the Double Lime Avenue (see also Area 3A), the western part of which ends in the north-east corner of Area 3B. Here, several Lime trees still mark this former avenue; the south end of the avenue was stopped with a pair of Limes set on the square. The avenue was then linked with the Fir Avenue with a loose semicircular planting, probably of Oak; one of these Oaks is still standing. The junction of these avenues provided for impressive, panoramic views to Arrington village and the hills to its north and south.

Bridgeman was also responsible for the felling of most of the 17th century South-South-West Avenue, later partly patched up again by Brown. Phibbs (1980) recorded one Horse Chestnut tree (plus a Chestnut stump), dating to circa 1790, in this former avenue.


Figure 16.6. Part of Bridgeman’s c1721 survey & proposal map, showing the boundary of the park (medium-thickness line), then curving around the southern edge of Spring Ponds; this boundary line follows the line of Rushbrooke Way, a medieval road. At this time, most of Area 3B was still outside the park, showing here as enclosed fields. The two fields forming the south-western slopes of Park Hill were also incorporated in the park around this time, as another of Bridgeman’s drawings shows. Source: Adshead 2007, figure 30.

Figure 16.7. Bridgeman’s c1721 map superimposed on a 1969 aerial photograph for Area 3B. The historic park boundary is still visible in the trees in the field: the oak avenue in the south-east corner, planted on either side of the medieval road, the end of the Walnut Avenue, and the junction of the ‘Fir Walk’ and the Double Lime Avenue in the north. Source: S. Damant.


In the 1770s the park was further enlarged on its western side: from then on the road in the west would form the park boundary (Figure 16.8). This map shows the changes that had been implemented as part of Brown’s involvement during the preceding decade. The Double Lime Avenue and the Walnut Avenue were naturalised, together with a general naturalisation of the landscape, primarily through the planting of clumps of trees.

In this period the Arrington Drive was also constructed; its precise course changed several times, but by the time the 1828 map was produced its current position was fixed. Phibbs (1980) marked the location of numerous Elm stumps from trees that were planted around 1775, as part of the planting on either side of the new Drive. Of the planting from this period, the two Horse Chestnuts directly to the east of Arrington Gates survive, and the impressive Beech and Black Walnuts directly to the south-west of the end of the Walnut Avenue.

Figure 16.8. Part of the anonymous c1774 estate survey map, for Area 3B. This shows the former park boundary as it was around the middle of the eighteenth century, with the area recently added to the park, extending the park to the main road. It also shows the newly developed Arrington Drive. Note that the triangular area in the south-east of the area is not yet part of the park and would not be incorporated until the middle of the C19. Source: Adshead 2007, figure 97ii.

Emes’s work at Wimpole, from 1784 onwards, resulted in the consolidation of Brown’s work. Although many of his proposals (Figures 16.9 and 16.10) were not carried out, others were. One of the most important that was carried out here is the extension of Brown’s tree belt around the park further to the south and west.


Figure 16.9. Part of Emes’s 1790 Landscape Master Plan. Many of his proposals, such as the serpentine lake to the south, were not carried out. Emes was, however, responsible for extending Brown’s tree belt further south and west, as shown on this proposal map. Repton’s 1801 map shows that these belts had already been created by then. Source: Adshead 2007, figure 139.

Figure 16.10. The c1774 estate map superimposed on Emes’s 1790 proposal map. Source: S. Damant.

The 1800 estate survey map, utilised by Repton in 1801 for his park proposals show how much of Emes’s work had been implemented (Figure 16.11). Although many trees were left out on this map, it does suggest that the westernmost part of the area was relatively empty, bar trees along the old Arrington – Wimpole road and the western end of the Arrington Drive, thus rather different from Emes’s suggestions.


Repton proposed to plant trees around the former Hill House. As part of this Beech and Black walnut trees were also planted on the slopes below the Hill House.

Figure 16.11. Part of Repton’s 1801 proposal map, utilising the 1800 estate survey map as a basis. Source: CMP (draft), 2006.

The 3rd and 4th Earls of Hardwicke were responsible for further changes in the area. The 1815 and 1828 estate maps show the work implemented by the 3 rd Earl of Hardwicke (Figures 16.12 and 16.13). Comparing these with Repton’s proposal map shows that the area was further naturalised, although the linear tree planting along the old Arrington – Wimpole road is still very evident in the landscape at this stage.

Figure 16.12. Part of Withers’s 1815 estate survey map. Source: Adshead, 2007.


Figure 16.13. Part of Withers’s 1828 estate survey map. Source: Adshead, 2007.

The Arrington Gates and entrance lodges were built in 1849, following designs by Henry Edward Kendall (Figure 16.14). Other results of the works carried out under the direction of the 4th Earl of Hardwicke are shown in the 1886 1st edition OS map (Figure 16.15). Most of the trees in Area 3A today have their origins in the nineteenth century, most planted between circa 1840 and 1865.

Figure 16.14. The Arrington Gates in 1891. The two mature horse chestnuts to the right, planted in the 1770s, still exist. Photograph part of the estate sale particulars. Source: NT.

The 4th Earl was also responsible for extending the park on the south-side, incorporating a triangular-shaped piece of land. He also extended the tree belt along this newly acquired land, between the western tree belt and the South Avenue. Trees from the original short south-north orientated hedgerow in the incorporated field are still present, consisting of a mixture of thorn and field maple. The south-west to north-east boundary of the incorporated field consisted mainly of elm trees in 1979, when Phibbs recorded them. These have since been partly replanted with Lime trees in the


1980s. The northern boundary of the field, on the 1886 map shown as a single row of trees, has since been replaced by an oak avenue (trees planted in the 1940s).

Figure 16.15. Part of the 1886 1st edition OS map, showing Area 3B. The triangular field in the south-east corner is now part of the park, and is enclose by a new tree belt to its south. While the trees along the former Arrington – Wimpole road have been further naturalised since 1828, the former boundaries along the newly incorporated field are still very visible in the landscape. Source: CMP (draft), 2006.

Around 1910 the two copses, in the middle of the fields on either side of the Arrington Drive, were planted. These were planted as cover for game. In the southern copse, the following trees survive: Plane, Oak and Ash (Phibbs also recorded numerous Elms and several dead Horse Chestnuts, now all gone); the northern copse consists of Horse Chestnuts, Plane and Ash (with elms, now gone).

The next significant development in Area 3A is during the Second World War. A field hospital was established here, which extended over a large part of the area (Figures 16.16 and 16.17). Many trees were lost as a result of these developments, although a few trees were also planted here during the war, including several trees along the western end of the Arrington Drive (two Planes and one Black Walnut to its south, and a Horse Chestnut to its north). Shortly after the war, more trees were planted, to compensate for trees lost during the construction of the field hospital. Within Area 3B,


the most important amongst these are the Oaks planted as a short avenue in the south-east corner of the area.

Figure 16.16. WWII field hospital, as photographed in 1955. Source: NT.

Figure 16.17. The remains of the WWII field hospital, as photographed in 1959 (RAF aerial picture), shortly before dismantling. Source: NT.


Mainly as a result of the WWII activities, a large number of trees were lost between 1886 and 1959 (Figure 16.18). Since then, Dutch Elm disease caused further damage. Phibbs recorded a total of 67 dead elms (including stumps) in Area 3B; some of these have been replaced by lime trees in the 1980s.

Figure 16.18. The 1886 trees (and belt), in light blues, compared with the trees in 1959. This shows that a significant number of trees have been lost in the period in between. Source: NT WebGIS; data digitised by Simon Damant. Also note that the north-western part of the tree belt was still in use as a field in 1886. Source: NT webGIS and S. Damant.

Significance: area as a wholeArea 3B as a whole functions as the first entrance point for visitors to the estate, coming through the Arrington Drive, historically the most important entrance of the estate. The naturalistic landscape on both sides of the drive would have provided for an appropriate setting along this drive serpentining its way towards the Hall. Carefully designed, occasional glimpses of the Hall, otherwise largely screened by tree planting, as well as views of Park Hill, clothed in carefully placed clumps of trees on its slopes, and with the former Hill House on its top, would have added to the


prestigious nature of this drive and acted as focal points while travelling through this area.

The Hill top itself also functioned as a viewing platform towards the surrounding landscape to the west and south of the park.

Significance: elements within the areaPark Hill with its steep south (-western) slopes is of high significance and visually very important within the South Park: it demands attention all along the drive coming in from Arrington Gates, and provides for an appropriate focal point in this part of the parkland.

The Arrington Drive (with the Arrington Gates) is highly significant for being the most important historic drive on the estate. The Arrington gates provide for the historic entrance to the estate, coming from the main road from London. The drive provides for a range of informal views across the South Park, The present drive was constructed in the 1760s on Brown’s advice, with the layout having undergone further alterations until the early nineteenth century; the 1775 estate plan shows its earliest course, whilst Emes’s and Repton’s proposals show it complete and closer to its eventual smooth, serpentine course. The 1828 Withers survey shows the eventual course.

The mature Lime and Oak trees on top of Park Hill in Area 3B’s north-eastern corner are of high significant as these are remaining trees belonging to the ‘One-and-a-half-avenue’ and the Double Lime Avenue, as well its designed junction. From here, one obtains important views over the landscape to the south and west, views which were already established in the late 17th century and thus antedate the building of the Hill House nearby.

The Beech and Black Walnut trees on the slope to the southwest and west of the former Hill House are significant, as these are the remainder of trees planted by Repton in the early 19th century to provide for better clothing of the hill slope below and around the Hill House.

The mature trees on the slopes of Park Hill further to the (north-) west, although the current trees were planted in the 1860s by the 4 th Earl of Hardwicke, are significant for acting out a similar role as Repton’s clumps, i.e., appropriately clothing the otherwise bare slopes, and breaking up the hard line of the tree belt beyond. This part of the park was already planted in a similar style in the 1720s.

The remains of the clumps on either side and close to the Drive are significant, as these guide the eyes over the landscape whilst travelling along the Drive. The oldest of these clumps was planted around 1775 (Brown), while others date to between 1820 and 1850 (3rd and 4th Earls of Hardwicke).

The remaining Thorn and the three 1980s Lime trees (replacing lost Elms) in the centre of the field to the north of Arrington Drive are significant, as these are located along the old Arrington – Wimpole road, before the Arrington Drive was built in the 1760s.

The Walnut Avenue is significant as its predecessor, following the line of the medieval road between Arrington and Wimpole, was already depicted on the 1638 Hare map. It has since been extended further south, was partly deformalised in the late 18th century, replanted during the 20th century (with oldest trees dating to


c1910), and deformalised again in the 1980s. It forms an important focal point when approaching the central part of Area 3B, closer to Spring Ponds.

The ‘Boundary Elms’ in the southern field, mostly replaced in the late 1980s by Limes, have some significance, as they represent the boundary of the parkland until the middle of the 19th century. The Oak avenue to the east (planted in c1945) and the remains of the hedgerow to the west have a similar role. Their reduction to clumps is significant for being in line with the naturalistic design intentions, whilst breaking up the hard linearity of the late 19th century tree belt beyond.

The mature Horse Chestnut in the far south-eastern corner is important as it represents the former 17th century South-South-West Avenue, now partly obscured by planting in Area 4A.

The pond and its surrounding woodland are significant, as these provide for an important break in the landscape. Although Bridgeman intended the ponds to be free from vegetation, subsequent growth has provided for a dense screen between two very different areas of the park. This screen, with a couple of narrow gaps in the wood, allowed for only partial views of the central parkland and the Hall when arriving along the Arrington Drive; passing the pond around its north-western point opened up the landscape to the east, and provided for the intended, dramatic views of the Hall from this area. The pond is currently also significant for its biodiversity values.

The two round copses, one each on either side of the Drive in the middle of the fields, have some significance. Although their appearance somewhat distracts from the wider design intentions, these represent the last of the major phase of tree planting in the park before the National Trust took over, carried out around 1910.

Trees planted during and shortly after the Second World War have some significance for their reference to the activities taken place here, of which otherwise no physical remains remain.


Significance: viewsTable 16.1. Summary of the significant views within, to, from, and through Area 3B. Note: the level of significance given here reflects the significance for this area; the overall significance of some views, especially those for which the area is part of a wider panoramic view, may be different than this table shows (see separately produced Views Management Plan for further information). The levels of significance follow those given in section 8.3 of the CMP for Wimpole Estate (2008).

View Direction(i.e. view to)

Significance of View Comments

Views within the areaViews to the round copse to north of Arrington Drive

N and W Some significance Dense c. 1910 copse stands out in relatively open field.

Views to the round copse to south of Arrington Drive

S, E and N Some significance Dense c. 1910 copse stands out in relatively open field.

Down the Oak Avenue SE Some significance Oaks planted here in the 1940s, along either side of the fosse delineating the late C17/early C18 park.

Views to the areaView from Ermine Street into the parkland

E Significant Narrow and partial view through the metal gates, and filtered by the trees on either side, just inside the gates.

View from the north-eastern end of the Walnut Avenue down the avenue

SW Some significance

From the Hall (south front) to the SW corner of the park

SW Significant View in between clumps of trees in the eastern part of Area 3A and through narrow gap in trees surrounding the pond.

From the Hall (south front) to the SW corner of the park, near Arrington Gates entrance

SW Some significance View in between clumps of trees in the eastern part of Area 3A and through narrow gap in trees surrounding the pond.

Views from the areaFrom Arrington gateway to the hill top NE Significant Part of panoramic view across West Park, from just inside

the gates.From the Arrington Drive (western end) to the Hall

NE Significant Only small glimpse of Hall visible through trees; this view disappears completely further west, until not returning until within Area 3A (Figure 16.20).

From the Arrington Drive to the hill top NNE Highly significant Focus is on the trees backing the former Hill House. View is


from ca. halfway the Drive within Area 3B (Figures 16.21 and 16.22).

From the Arrington Drive into the Walnut Avenue

NE Significant Figure 16.23.

From the southern end of the ‘One-and-a-half-avenue’ down this avenue

NE Significant

From the southern end of the ‘One-and-a-half-avenue’, on the hill top, to Arrington village

SW Highly significant Part of a relatively narrow panoramic view, taken from near the early C18 oak. The focus is on the spire of Arrington church, but hills to the north and south of the village are also part of this view.

From the western end of the former Double Lime Avenue down the avenue

E Some significance Also partial view of Hall.

From the SW corner of the park to the Hall, near Arrington Gates entrance

NE Some significance Partial view of Hall through narrow gap in trees surrounding Spring Ponds.

From the SW corner of the park to the Hall

NE Some significance Partial view of Hall through narrow gap in trees surrounding Spring Ponds.

From the field to the north of the Arrington Drive to the Hall

NE Some significance Nice view of Hall, from near the three 1980s limes (replacing former Elms), along former Arrington – Wimpole Road, the estate boundary during the middle of the C18.

Views through the areaFrom the Hall (south front) to the Arrington spire

WSW Some significance View originally only visible from first floor. View partly blocked by large lime tree (remnant of Double Lime Avenue) in north-east part of Area 3A.

From the Hall down the former South-South-West avenue

SSW Significant View currently partly blocked by trees in Area 4A (in particular the easternmost two of the group of Lombardy Poplars), and the lack of a gap in the tree belt to the south of Area 3B. Remnant avenue within Area 3B has its origin in the late C17.


Figure 16.19. Overview of the significant views relevant for Area 3B, plotted on the 2007 aerial picture of the parkland. This figure shows the views within, to, from and through Area 3B. Further details are given in the above table. Red = Highly significant view; Yellow = Significant view; Green = Some significance.

Figure 16.20. View from just to the east of the Arrington Gates towards the Hall, zoomed in. Glimpses of the Hall are just visible in between the distant Walnut Avenue trees. Photograph taken by the author, November 2011.


Figure 16.21. View from the Arrington Drive towards the hill top, with the ca. 1775 Beech in the foreground. The Walnut Avenue starts not far further to the east of this tree. Photograph taken by the author, November 2011.

Figure16.22. View from just to the east of the Arrington Gates to Park Hill; view to north-west. Clearly visible in the middle ground is the c. 1910 copse. Photograph taken by the author, November 2011.

Figure 16.23. View from the Arrington Drive into the Walnut Avenue. Note the intrusive deadwood, and stock fencing. Photograph taken by the author, November 2011.


Design guidance Clumps of trees are scattered all along Arrington Drive, on both sides of the drive.

The remnants of these 18th and 19th century clumps should be restored through additional tree planting. Some clumps, particularly at the western end of the drive – at both sides of the drive -, as well as a clump of former Elms at the eastern end, just north of the Walnut Avenue, have disappeared altogether. Replanting these clumps, using the 1886 map as a basis, would result in the recreation of a more impressive approach into the parkland, and providing for far more interesting views from the drive. The clumps should be replanted with a mixture of mainly Oak, Beech, Ash, and perhaps some Horse Chestnut.

The southern slope of Park Hill is clothed with several small clumps of trees, thereby providing for an appropriate foreground for the views onto the hill top (with the former Hill House as the original focal point), when seen from Arrington Drive. Trees planted here date to the early 19th century. Lost trees here should be replanted, using the 1886 and 1828 maps, planting a predominance of Beech and Black Walnut, thereby adding to the replanting done here in the 1980s and 1990s.

Missing trees on the top of Park Hill which were present on the 1828 and/or 1886 maps (using additional information from the 1721 map), should be replanted. This would result in the partial restoration of the north-western end of the former Double Lime Avenue, and the south-western end of the ‘One-and-a-half-avenue’ (both to be planted with Lime). The junction of the two avenues could also be (partially) restored, by planting a few more Oaks near the c1720 oak (remnant of the original semi-circular planting here), and the lost Elms to the east of the Oak (Phibbs recorded here the dead stumps of the eight Elms that formed the termination of the northern avenue line of the Double Lime avenue), these to be replanted with Lime and/or Beech. By restoring this location of the junction of the avenues as originally intended, the original viewing point would be restored and would become an obvious space in the landscape once more.

The clumps of trees in the central-northern part of Area 3B, on the slopes of Park Hill should be thickened up – using the 1886 map as a basis -, further adding to the 1980s replanting done here. Trees here could be a mixture of Oak, Beech, Black Walnut, Horse Chestnut and Ash. This will help breaking up the linearity of the tree belt beyond.

The lost clumps of trees in the central-west area of the field to the north of the drive, between the 1910 copse and the base of Park Hill could be replanted, using the 1886 map as a basis, with additional trees added from the 1828 map. This would help transform the current very open nature of the area, thereby naturalising this part, providing for perspective when seen from the drive, and breaking up the linearity of the western tree belt.

Lost trees in the northern field that were located along the old Arrington – Wimpole road could be replanted, using the 1886 map, taking care not to make the planting look to linear. This planting would be additional to the three lime trees planted here in the 1980s, which replaced lost Elms.

The many lost Elms in the south-eastern part of Area 3B have been partially replaced by Lime trees, planted in the 1980s. There is scope for extending this planting, based on the 1886 map, taking care to keep the planting in clumps and avoiding any linearity. New trees should be planted with a mixture of trees, thereby also breaking up the predominance of Lime trees here.

The large clump of trees to the south-west of Spring Ponds consists of primarily Beech trees. This area has been replanted in the 1980s with Beech and Lime, around the c1780 mature Beech trees here, although there may be room for some additional planting of Beech in the wider area. Care should, however, be


taken not to block view lines from the Hall across the narrow gap in the Spring Ponds to the south-western part of the park.

Small groups of trees in the central area of the southern field could be replanted, following the 1886 map, as long as these would not interfere with the sightlines from the western end of the field across Spring Ponds to the Hall. This planting would help ‘fill in’ the large empty central space of this field and break up the linearity of the 1980s Lime tree replanting to its south.

The southernmost end of the late 17th century South-South-West Avenue could be replanted, adding to the single late 18th century Horse Chestnut survivor of the successor to the original avenue. Use the 1886 map as guidance.

There is scope for planting additional trees along the inside of the western tree belt (northern end) and the southern tree belt (western end). Both belts are rather thin, resulting in distracting views of cars and farm buildings beyond the belt, when seen from Park Hill. Planting trees would result in an improvement to these views, and would help break up the linearity of the belts.

There is scope for planting an additional clump of trees within the triangular area in the south-eastern part of Area 3B (which was added to the park in the second half of the 19th century), as long as the least damage is done to the surviving ridge-and-furrow here. A mixture of trees could be planted here, although Oak should predominate.

Selection of digital files for assessmentFor the area as a whole, the location of the trees on the 1886 map will be primarily used as a basis for restoration. This map shows the situation before the loss of a large number of trees. The 1828 and 1721 maps will also be consulted, especially regarding the situations for the areas in the north-east of Area 3B (around the junction of the two avenues on the upper slopes of Park Hill) and the former South-South-West avenue in the far south-eastern corner of Area 3B.

Creation of tree planting planAppendix 3 gives an overview of the trees proposed for Area 3B. This provides each tree with its coordinates, information about the historic map on which the tree location is based, the reason for replanting, the tree species proposed, and any archaeological or other visible remains of the former tree, plus any other relevant information.

Appendix 2 provides for a map showing the location of the proposed trees, with their individual numbers.

Following the assessment, a total of 233 trees can be planted in Area 3B (Figure 16.24). 128 of these are to the north of the Arrington Drive, and another 105 to the south of this.

While the majority is based on the 1886 map, 26 are based on the 1828 map, 2 on the 1721 (both on Park Hill), and 2 on the 1959 aerial photograph. For 19 trees there is no historic precedence; 16 of these will form two new clumps in the former triangular field in the south-east part of the area, which was incorporated into the parkland in the middle of the 19th century, while another 3 will fill out the clump on the western slop of Park Hill.

The proposed trees include 4 replacement trees for the Horse Chestnuts directly to the east of Arrington Gates, and 2 replacement trees for dead trees (1 Oak in ca.


1945 avenue to south-east of Spring Ponds, and 1 for a dead 1990s tree on the slopes of Park Hill.

52 locations show signs of the former tree, in the shape of a tree hollow, possible tree hollow, or as remains of the previous tree.

Figure 16.24. Overview of all 233 new trees for Area 3B, plotted on the 2007 LiDar image for the area. Map created by B. Govier, April 2012.

For Area 3B, the following tree species are proposed:


Species Latin name Number of trees

Comments

Oak Quercus robur 60Ash Fraxinus excelsior 38Beech Fagus sylvatica 30Field Maple Acer campestre 27Lime Tilia spp. 22 Primarily T. cordataIndian Horse Chestnut

Aesculus indica 20 White Buckeye, A. glabra, is a possible alternative

Hornbeam Carpinus betulans 15Horse Chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum 6Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus 6Black Walnut Juglans nigra 3Walnut Juglans regia 3Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 1Lucombe Oak Quercus x hispanica

'Lucombeana'1

Turkey Oak Quercus cerris 1Total 233

Table 16.2. Overview of tree species proposed for the new trees in Area 3B. See Appendix 3 for specific locations of trees.

The most obvious change to the character of the area, once the restoration proposals will have been implemented, will be the large increase in the number of trees, recreating the intended mid-nineteenth century landscape, and as such, undoing a large part of the damage done in this area by the World War II field hospital and the Dutch Elm disease.

The current diffuse pattern of planting in Area 3B will be addressed by the extensive clump planting on either side of the Arrington Drive, together with tree planting closer to the belts, thereby breaking up some of the distracting linear features and creating a much more coherent design character. Adding trees on the slopes and the top of Park Hill will also create a much improved focal point when seen along the Drive, meanwhile restoring an important viewing point now largely lost in the landscape. These changes will bring a much more dignified approach into the parkland.

Further recommendations[Note: SHORT/ MEDIUM/ LONG refers to the priority in which this work needs to be carried out]

Remove all deadwood from in and around the Walnut Avenue. SHORT Remove most deadwood from in and around the southern end of the ‘One-and-a-

half-avenue’. SHORT Remove all deadwood from within and around the clumps and individual trees

close to the Arrington Drive. This conflicts with the design intentions. SHORT Remove fallen and piled timber to the south-west of the pond. SHORT Improve condition of Arrington Gate entrance: more regular mowing of grass on

both sides of the gates; remove moss of tarmac; close gates better: replace loose chain with more appropriate lock (open gap gives poor impression). SHORT

Remove pieces of concrete and dumped wood in between trees on slopes of Park Hill in the north-east part of Area 3B. SHORT


The gate in the stock fencing at the eastern side of Area 3B, to the north of the Drive, and next to Area 3A (at the base of Park Hill) is locked up, inhibiting people to freely explore the landscape. SHORT

The gate in the north-western corner of the field to the south of Arrington Drive is locked, inhibiting people to freely explore the landscape. SHORT

The gate between Areas 3A and 3B at the stock-fencing’s western end (near the tree belt) is locked up, inhibiting people to freely explore the landscape. SHORT

The gate between Areas 3A and 3B at the stock-fencing’s south-eastern end (near the South Avenue) is locked up, inhibiting people to freely explore the landscape. SHORT

Repair guards around trees planted in the 1980s and 1990s, or remove them altogether where possible. Also carry out necessary maintenance works on these trees, including crown-lifting, where necessary. SHORT

Carry out minor thinning of the trees around Spring Ponds, to further open up the two narrow gaps through the wood to the park beyond, when looking at it from the Hall. SHORT – MEDIUM

Restore the view line of the former South-South-West Avenue, when seen from the Hall, by taking out the two easternmost Lombardy Poplars just across the boundary in Area 4A. SHORT – MEDIUM

A large tree has fallen on the metal railing surrounding Spring Pond, on its south-western side, breaking it in the process. Repair the damage. SHORT – MEDIUM

Carry out necessary repair works to Arrington gates: stone gate piers, ironwork, and flanking walls all need work done [as identified in CMP (2008) and the CPI Action Points (2011)]. SHORT – MEDIUM

Inappropriate modern stock fencing divides the northern field into half. This artificially separates the area, where this was never intended, and conflicts with the design intentions and parkland aesthetics. SHORT – MEDIUM

Inappropriate modern stock fencing separates Areas 3A and 3B. This artificially separates these areas, where this was never intended, and conflicts with the design intentions. This is a particular problem in its north-western part (higher slopes and top of the hill), as the fence cuts through the south-western end of the One-and-a-half Avenue and the western end of the former Double Lime Avenue. This inhibits people to enjoy the views from the intended location and inhibits historical interpretation of this important part of the landscape. SHORT – MEDIUM

Cars driving along the road to the west of the park are visible through the thin belt. Improve and thicken belt, where possible. MEDIUM

Ugly modern farm buildings are visible through the thin tree belt in the south-west corner, when looking from Park Hill. Improve and thicken the belt here, where possible. MEDIUM

Inappropriate modern stock fencing along the south side of Arrington Drive. This conflicts with the design intentions and parkland aesthetics. MEDIUM - LONG

Inappropriate modern stock fencing separates Areas 3A and 4A: artificially separating these areas, where this was never intended. This inhibits visitors walking freely between the areas, as originally intended. MEDIUM - LONG

Investigate option of reopening gate into tree belt in north-western part of the area, re-establishing the historic link from the Hill House to Ermine Street (A1198), and re-establishing the drive through the tree belt linking with the existing drive further north. MEDIUM - LONG

Horse chestnut to south-west of Spring Ponds (planted in 1990s): may need to be removed in future, if it starts to interfere with the view from the Hall over the pond. MEDIUM - LONG

Improve the condition of the Arrington Drive surface, restoring it to its former high quality appearance. The current ‘patched up’ appearance does not square with the intended prestigious estate entrance. MEDIUM - LONG


Constant background noise from cars driving along the road to the west of the park distracts from the park experience. Investigate options to address the issue. LONG

The older of the two historic entrance drives, the Arrington Drive, remains unused. The result is that people do not experience the prestigious approach into the estate as originally intended. In particular, the surprise view of the south front of the Hall, only appearing on the long serpentine road after a while, is currently only experienced by the occasional dog walkers and cyclists coming from Arrington Road. The key function and high significance of the Arrington Drive within the landscape design is now largely unappreciated by visitors. LONG

Reintroduce a fallow deer herd as historically appropriate grazing stock in the South Park. LONG


location - wordpress.com · web viewlocation. area 3b is located in the south-west part of the...

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