Protecting Heritage and Nature at Tatton Park

Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire is a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden and includes Tatton Mere which is part of the Tatton Meres Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the internationally recognised Midland Meres & Mosses Ramsar site. The character of the landscape reflects centuries of human activity and environmental change and includes archaeological remains from the prehistoric to medieval periods.

Much of the present character is derived from 18th and 19th century landscape interventions which included the creation of tree-lined avenues, water management features and woodland plantations with deliberately designed lines of sight for the Grade I listed Tatton Hall.

TEP was commissioned by Natural England to undertake a two-stage historic environment baseline study and heritage impact assessment to inform proposed intervention options aimed at improving water quality within the Tatton Meres SSSI. Our work considered both the natural and historic environment to ensure that any proposed improvements would enhance the ecological value of the site while respecting its heritage significance.

As part of the baseline study we reviewed HER and National Trust records and archaeological reports and carried out a walkover survey of the site to examine heritage assets and earthwork features and important views. An important aspect of the study was to consider historic changes to the outline and extent of the lakes and we digitised a number of historic maps dating back to the 18th century to allow us to understand the evolving relationship between the heritage assets and the natural and man-made landscape.

Careful consideration was given to the setting, visibility and historic character of the landscape and important heritage assets. The impact assessment reviewed a series of proposed interventions including livestock fencing, footpaths, hedgerow restoration, wetland creation and pond restoration which were designed to reduce pollution, slow water flow and improve water quality. For each of these we assessed potential direct impacts and impacts on setting and landscape character and provided recommendations to reduce, avoid, or mitigate the anticipated impacts. This helped to ensure that the interventions enhance the Park’s ecological value while safeguarding the important historic character and heritage assets.

This approach recognises that Tatton Park is both an important heritage site and an evolving natural landscape and demonstrates how careful planning and sensitive design can support environmental improvements while preserving historic character.