Heritage Heroes and the inspiring Lowther Castle restoration project (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Heritage Heroes and the inspiring Lowther Castle restoration project

9:01am Saturday 4th February 2012 in News

ONE of the Cumbria’s truly great historic houses, Lowther Castle and Gardens currently the largest garden restoration project in the UK is set to feature in episode two of BBC Two’s Heritage Heroes programme.

The programme hosted by John Craven and Jules Hudson follows them as they travel the length and breadth of the country to champion the men and women dedicated to saving Britain's historic homes, national monuments, foods, crafts and animals for posterity.

During their visit to Cumbria they visit Lowther Castle & Gardens and hear about the history of the site, meet some of the artisan craftsmen working on the project and discover the sheer magnificence of the gardens and the surrounding area for themselves.

They hear how the gardens and castle at Lowther have lain abandoned for over 70 years, reopening to visitors in 2011 for the first time since 1938. John and Jules walk some of the simple routes that have been laid out through the 130 acres of gardens and castle terraces and discover that much of the original planting has long disappeared but the outlines of 17th Century and Edwardian gardens remain, overplanted with trees and covered by moss and lichen.

The pair also work alongside some of the stone masons and carpenters on site carrying out essential restoration work to prevent the collapse of the castle ruin, rebuilding parapet walls, turrets and towers and working to construct visitor facilities in the stable courtyard providing a shop, café and gallery and exhibition space, set to be open this spring.

Describing his visit to Lowther Castle, Jules Hudson said: “Every now and then a project comes along that is such an amazing investment in time, energy and talent. Lowther Castle is an enormous undertaking and now it has a future, thanks to an incredible group of people. I was simply bowled over by their incredible skills and the mindset they all have about this project.”

Ian Stephens, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “We are really pleased that the important restoration work being undertaken at a number of Cumbria’s heritage sites is being highlighted in this programme. We have a very diverse and rich cultural heritage, which we are justifiably proud of and Lowther Castle and Gardens will prove to be a considerable asset to our tourism offer and further strengthen our visitor offer and provides yet another reason to visit during 2012.’’ The programme is being screened on Tuesday (February 7).