Volunteer Stories – John Hancock
22/07/2026
By Anne
Role in the park: Receptionist Background: John has been here “since it opened” and was one of the first receptionists here. He is 81 years old and lives locally. Previous to volunteering at the park he worked for five years as a hospital receptionist up until the Covid period. John has been volunteering for about …
















Posted: 28/01/2016 by Admin
Tree Health
Today was a fascinating day on site as the trees in the park were assesed for any health issues. So many interesting facts came out of the day to report on – so watch this space for future posts on our magnificent trees.
Posted: 26/01/2016 by Admin
Storm Jonas Strikes
As the latest winter storm swept over the site the Great Meadow was once again under water. This time however the water was so deep that the ha ha was breached over night and part of the lower grounds and circuit paths were flooded. By day break the water had dropped back but it was still …
Posted: 22/01/2016 by Admin
Bat Survey
This week as part of getting to know our site better and to make sure our restoration project is supportive of wildlife as well as plants we’ve been busy surveying for bats in the grounds. Whether it was the glasshouse boiler room in the walled garden or old trees in the grounds, places bats might …
Posted: 20/01/2016 by Admin
Frosty Morning
Today winter has brought the first hard frost to the park, a welcome relief after all the rain. As the sun rose and the sky turned a vivid blue the grounds sparkled in the sunlight bringing lots of people out, cameras in hand, for a brisk walk around the grounds.
Posted: 14/12/2015 by Admin
Laspen Trust Grant
Today we are pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from the Laspen Trust towards the development of our project.
Posted: 01/12/2015 by Admin
Flood plain meadow lives up to its name
After the incredible storms of the last couple of days it’s been impossible to tell the Great Meadow from the Bishop’s Pond. Around noon today as the river reached high tide it was amazing to watch the speed at which the water filled the meadow highlighting some of the old river courses not normally visible …
Posted: 23/11/2015 by Admin
Topographic Survey Work Begins
The onsite survey work has begun. Today Dyfed Archaeological Trust started their topographical survey. This will map the contours of the grounds; essentially its lumps and bumps, to help discover if the remains of any important structures still exit below ground. The start of the survey work has coincided with the arrival of some of the …
Posted: 02/10/2015 by Admin
Autumn Hues
There’s a definite chill in the air first thing and as the season changes and the grounds start to take on their autumn hues there are squirrels everywhere busily collecting and hiding food ready for the coming winter. Also in plentiful supply – and easier to photograph as they don’t move around so much – …
Posted: 29/09/2015 by Admin
Conservation Architects
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Acanthus Holden as Conservation Architects for the project. They join us at an exciting time and we are looking forward to working with them on bringing the park and its historic features, such as the Walled Garden bothy, back to life for everyone to enjoy.
Posted: 28/09/2015 by Admin
Discovery of Pathway
Today was marked by a small but very exciting discovery. Hidden a few inches below ground, the substantial and intact remains of one of several lost pathways around the grounds. We believe this pathway lies on the line of what was part of the original early nineteenth century circuit of the grounds. A newer, shorter …