How do the plans reflect the history of the Park?
We are seeking to reinstate some of the historic integrity of the Park. Clearly, times have changed and we would not wish to return the Park to how it was centuries ago. However, our research has shown that the Park would benefit from the recovery of some of the original vistas which were such an important feature of the C18 and C19 design. These new sightlines will allow visitors to appreciate the grandeur of the landscape as it was originally conceived. What is the driving force behind the proposals? The Royal Landscape project has four main objectives: (1) to provide a new level of visitor facilities for The Savill Garden and for the site as a whole; (2) to protect the southern part of the Great Park – including its lakes, woodland, and historic landscape features – from damage due to uncontrolled access from visitors and pest species, and to carefully manage the natural decline that affects all mature woodlands; (3) to conserve and manage this heritage for future generations through continued landscape works, plantation and interpretation; (4) to draw the public’s attention to the exceptional beauty of the site – and give its visitors a better understanding of its history and heritage. The changes planned will improve the visitor experience in a manner which will be largely unobtrusive and will primarily seek to ensure that all those who want to enjoy this tranquil area of the Park can do so. The increased number of toilets and catering outlets will allow people to spend more time exploring the landscape. Repairing some of the features such as the Obelisk and the Leptis Magna Ruins will restore these magnificent elements of the Park to a state in which they can be appreciated as key features of the designed landscape. Above all, the changes will ensure that this unique part of our national heritage is preserved and enhanced for the enjoyment of existing and future generations. Proposals to fence The Valley Gardens and introduce an element of entry charging, about which local concern has been raised, have been deferred. We will now be looking again at these proposals following extended monitoring of horticultural and landscape management issues over the next few years. We have a very difficult balancing act to perform in The Royal Landscape: the problems of plant damage and landscape management remain, but many regular users of The Valley Gardens are unsure that fencing is the best solution available. Listening to local people is very important to us and that is why we will be looking again at our proposals. Despite their natural appearance, The Valley Gardens are an intensely managed landscape garden and require careful stewardship. The area contains eight collections of national importance and we want to ensure people now and in the future have a chance to enjoy them at their best. This means we need to be able to continue the cycle of replanting and renewal as originally envisaged by Sir Eric Savill (founder of The Valley Gardens) and not leave that to chance. Do the Royal Family make a profit from the land? The finances of the Royal Family are not connected with any income or expenditure generated through either The Crown Estate or Windsor Great Park.
