LUC helps shape the future of Munstead Wood for the National Trust
LUC has played a central role in the next stage of plans to conserve Munstead Wood, the historic home of pioneering garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.
Appointed by the National Trust in late 2024, LUC led a multidisciplinary team through RIBA Stages 1 and 2 to develop a landscape-led masterplan.
The proposals restore the Grade I listed house and gardens, while introducing sensitive changes to support learning, engagement, and long-term sustainability.
Hero image ©National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole
LUC provided project management, landscape architecture, and editorial direction across the process, working closely with the Trust and other consultants. The resulting report offers a robust design framework to guide the next stage of work.
Munstead Wood, located near Godalming in Surrey, is internationally significant. Gertrude Jekyll lived and worked here, shaping her distinctive planting style and forming a creative partnership with the architect Edwin Lutyens. Together, they helped define the Arts and Crafts movement.
The masterplan proposals aim to honour this legacy while enabling Munstead Wood to evolve as a centre of horticultural excellence, providing learning, visitor engagement and digital reach to help share Jekyll’s influence with wider audiences.
Sustainability sits at the heart of the design approach. The team embedded measures to support biodiversity, climate resilience, and a low-carbon visitor model. Community involvement will also be key, and the project is already piloting various schemes.
Our work involved regular consultation with stakeholders, including a collaborative design workshop at Munstead Wood. The feedback shaped key design suggestions, such as a welcome area and reuse of historic spaces for educational activities.
LUC is proud to support the National Trust on this important and inspiring project.
