MAJOR conservation work is under way to safeguard Stourhead’s iconic lake, as the National Trust begins an £800,000 project to secure its long-term future.

Specialist contractors have arrived at the Wiltshire estate to carry out repairs to the historic dam that holds back the man-made lake, a defining feature of Henry Hoare’s 18th-century vision for what became known as ‘Paradise Valley’.

Built more than 275 years ago, the dam was designed to flood the landscape and create the sweeping vistas that have made Stourhead internationally renowned.

Recent monitoring has shown the dam is allowing increasing amounts of water to pass through its embankment wall.

The dam in its preparation state before metal piling sheets are installed. (Image: Lucy Fenna)

While not an immediate safety risk, the National Trust says action is needed now to prevent more serious long-term damage.

The works will see 4.5-metre-long piles installed across around 50 metres of the 220-metre dam to strengthen its structure.

“The lake at Stourhead is the heart of the garden’s design and a vital part of its heritage,” said Nigel Hellier, National Trust project manager.

“Holding around 178,000m³ of water, equivalent to more than 70 Olympic swimming pools, the dam is under constant pressure.

“A small leak can become a bigger problem, so these repairs are essential to maintaining the integrity and beauty of this historic landscape.”

The contractor compound outside of the garden (Image: Lucy Fenna)

The project is expected to be completed by early spring, ahead of the Easter holidays, with the garden remaining open throughout.

While a short section of the lakeside walk near the dam is closed, most paths are unaffected and visitors will be able to watch the conservation work as it takes place.

To help maintain access, two new walking routes have been introduced: Aeneas’s Walk, taking in the Temple of Flora, Grotto and Pantheon, and Apollo’s Walk, which offers views from the Temple of Apollo.

The house will also remain open for bookable ‘Behind closed doors’ tours.

During the works, entry has been reduced to £15 per adult, with National Trust members continuing to visit for free.

Head gardener Tim Parker said: “Stourhead is not Stourhead without it’s magnificent garden lake, thus amplifying Henry Hoare’s Paradise Valley, this was his final but most impactful stroke of the brush on the canvas of his living work of art situated in Wiltshire.

“This repair work is essential to the long-term security and integrity of this world-renowned landscape and standout example of the Georgian landscape garden movement.”

General manager at Stourhead Philip Niemand said the investment went beyond repairing infrastructure.

He added: “Approximately £800,000 will be invested into this project which is about so much more than repairing a dam – it’s about safeguarding a masterpiece of Georgian design for everyone to enjoy, now and for the future.”

Further updates on the project will be shared online as the work progresses.