LUC was appointed initially by The Crown Estate in 1996 to investigate the significance and feasibility of restoring The Water Gardens at Bushy Park in West London.
Subsequently LUC was retained by a local Trust and later The Royal Parks to provide a faithful interpretation of the original 1710 Gardens, made safe and accessible for 21st century public enjoyment.
The Water Gardens were created as a series of formal pools in a landscaped setting by the Duke of Halifax in 1710, but their shape and condition had been significantly altered following a variety of occupants and uses over time. Originally created as the garden of the Ranger’s private residence, the site was later used as a First World War convalescence hospital, as a school and then as a military research establishment from 1942 to 1994.
The challenge here was to re-establish a symmetrical layout of ponds and cascade — which had certainly existed — where there was disorder, erosion, invasion of vegetation and severed water supply. This involved extensive historical research, field archaeology and interpretation and ecological investigation. Careful design, challenging discussion and technical construction were necessary to achieve a suitable fit — faithful, respectful and pragmatic — with limited funds. This then led to the successful restoration of the water bodies and the impressive cascade.
The Water Gardens stretch across the north-west part of Bushy Park. They use water from the Longford River — an artificial river which was constructed to supply the fountains and basins at Hampton Court. The restoration has returned the ponds to their original shapes (octagonal and clover-leaf), reconstituted the original cascade and alcove walls, and provided landform, footpaths, a bridge crossing to the nearby 1710 Brewhouse, seeding, planting and interpretive signage. Most important of all, it has re-established the water supply system from the Longford, to fill the ponds and drive the cascade.
This project has been challenging at many levels — intellectual, philosophical, technical, practical and financial. It has required many decisions, been through several local variations and has always carried a threat of compromise to fit the budget. But it has been achieved and delivered, an achievement of which LUC is very proud.
The result is a fantastic site which speaks of history and creates contrasting moods of stillness and sky, movement and sound. The restored Water Gardens and cascade were opened for public access for the first time in Autumn 2009.
