The project was completed in Spring 2014 and saw the restoration of the park’s most distinctive features. Part of the work has included restoring the unique Animal Wall which lines the park’s boundary. Before the restoration project began, the wall had deteriorated badly but since 2010, it’s been given a new lease of life, with the stone work cleaned, repaired and restored to its former splendour. Notable buildings throughout the grounds have been revived as part of the project, including West Lodge, now home to Pettigrew Tearooms, and Blackfriars Priory, a scheduled ancient monument dating back to the 12th century.

Since re-opening fully to the public, visitor numbers have increased 100%, with over two million visits each year and Bute Park now sits firmly within Cardiff’s top five attractions on Trip Advisor and is officially the number one park in the city. Two full time staff members, two Bute Park dedicated summer rangers, and a new Friends Group are now all in place as a result of the project which received £3.1million of National Lottery investment. 

“Volunteer numbers are going from strength to strength”, said Julia Sas, Bute Park Manager. "It’s as a direct result of the funding we’ve received.”

“They’re helping to make a noticeable change in the park, whether they’re litter picking, maintaining paths, creating habitats or helping us clear invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam. They’re the eyes and ears of Bute Park, keeping it alive, helping it to grow and thrive and helping us to keep it a park for the people.”