Great Dixter, East Sussex

Great Dixter is widely acknowledged as one of the most significant 20th Century gardens in Britain. Developed by plantsman Christopher Lloyd, helped in latter years by his head gardener Fergus Garrett, Great Dixter has come to define an experimental and bold approach to the planting of the English country garden.

We were commissioned in early 2007 to prepare a Conservation Management Plan for the gardens and estate, working closely with Donald Insall Architects, Fergus Garrett and the curatorial team. The plan encompassed the entire 57-acre estate, as well as the celebrated 6-acre gardens immediately around the house.

Our work not only included the management and conservation of plant collections, but also made proposals on improving the visitor experience through the analysis and refinement of the ways in which they access and explore the site. We also set out strategies for extending and refining training and education opportunities across the estate.

In March 2008, with the support of our Conservation Management Plan, the project to preserve the timber framed house and estate was awarded a £4m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.