The Spetchley Revival Project is a long term project designed to invest in securing the Gardens for future generations to enjoy. It has been made possible by generous funding from donors including the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is an ever-changing garden and for the past four years has undergone a mini revival, including phase 1 which was the creation of a new garden entrance, car park, and Welcome Centre, completed in 2015 thanks to a grant from the RDPE.  

Phase 2 centred on the heritage within the garden and park land, specifically focusing on;

-      The restoration of the garden lake to enhance its historic role in the designed landscape through dredging and re-aligning its boundaries.

-      Increasing physical access to the furthest points of interest within the parkland and deer park by creating a series of paths, planned walks and the introduction of a trailer service for schools and groups etc. driven by volunteers.  This will increase the number and range of people who are able to enjoy the deer park.

-      Increasing and improving the interpretation of the park and gardens through the creation of new interpretation material.

-      Improved orientation signage for visitors.

-      The preservation of historic site lines and key views, involving the restoration of sunken hedges and the replanting of trees along the lines of C19 landscape maps.

-      Significant work to enhance hedgerows to the southern deer park boundary incorporating the gapping up of hedges with native woody species which will provide blossom/flowers and therefore increase pollen and nectar sources (which are generally lacking in the deer park currently). This work will enhance both the appearance and the biodiversity of the deer park.

-      Conservation of the 19^th Century Sovereign Coach – one of only 20 still in existence. This is on display in the Heritage Centre.

-      Create significant new opportunities for volunteering, in total the Revival Project is targeted to deliver 1,000 volunteer days, conserving the Sovereign Coach, enhancing the biodiversity within the garden and parkland.

-      Converting the Old Cart Sheds into a Heritage and Learning Centre to be complimented by the introduction of a new and coordinated education programme focused around the National Curriculum. The centre houses information from the Berkeley family archive. This allows visitors a greater understanding of the formation of the park and gardens, as well as the part the Berkeley family has played in its history.

The Heritage and Learning Centre officially opened on 28th June and marks a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Gardens.  Using audio visual and touch screen technology, visitors to the new Heritage Centre can learn more about the fascinating 400 year history of the Gardens and the Berkeley family’s influence over this wonderful garden and unspoilt 17th century landscape. The Centre includes previously unseen images from the Spetchley Park archives and there are family friendly games and costumes to ensure everyone has a fun and memorable visit.

The Gardens are also bringing together local community groups such as the Hardy Plant Society and the Spetchley Gardening Society and a programme of school workshops and talks are also in development for 2018.