The Scampston Conservatory Preservation Co Ltd (SCPC), leading the project, has received a first-round pass* with a £33,800 development grant to work up plans for a scheme that will see the conservatory and a range of brick-built gardeners’ bothies restored and put to use for heritage and education activities for schools and local groups.

Situated in the grounds of the Grade II listed Scampston Hall, the conservatory is a distinctive feature of what was originally an 18th-century walled garden and is now a 21st century garden designed by internationally renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf. Until recently the structure has been used as a ‘wet weather’ room for education classes and craft courses and now needs significant restoration. It was built on a heated brick wall to 1894 plans by hot house designer William Richardson of Darlington but is now missing its wings and many architectural details. Once restored, it will be a good example of his work and a useful resource for the local community.

The first-round pass means that SCPC can now progress to the second stage of the HLF application process with up to two years to submit more detailed plans to apply for a full grant of just over £730,000 for the project.

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and Humber, said: “We’re extremely pleased to give initial support to the Scampston Conservatory project, which aims to bring a much-loved local building back into use and preserve it for future generations. We shall watch the developing plans with interest."

Chris Legard of the Scampston Conservatory Preservation Co Ltd explained further what HLF funding will mean for the project: “This funding provides a fantastic opportunity to bring the conservatory back to life with a renewed focus. Our vision, which we now have a chance to make a reality, is to restore the historic focal point of the garden and use it to enable a wide range of people to get involved. They will be able to enjoy learning more about the heritage of both the gardens, and the wider estate at Scampston. The project has already benefitted from support from the RDPE LEADER Coast, Wolds, Wetlands and Waterways Programme. LEADER aims to assist rural communities improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in their areas and has partially funded a feasibility study into various uses for the building. We are excited that the HLF are now enabling us to develop the project further."

Plans for the conservatory include full restoration including reinstating the two missing wings at each end, and dividing the interior by sliding screens into three main public areas for schools, community and an exhibition space. A part time Learning and Education Officer will also be appointed to develop links with volunteers and widen the use and appeal of the conservatory to visitors of all ages.

Notes to editors

To find out more visit The Walled Garden website.

For more information on the Coast, Wolds, Wetlands & Waterways LEADER programme.

The LEADER programme is being financed by the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development as well as Defra and is being overseen by Yorkshire Forward as part of the Rural Development Programme for England.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 30,000 projects, allocating £4.5billion across the UK, including £351million in Yorkshire & the Humber alone. To date, HLF has made 103 awards in Ryedale amounting to just under £6million.

* A first-round pass means the project meets our criteria for funding and we believe it has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals. Having been awarded a first-round pass, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.

On occasion an applicant with a first-round pass will also be awarded development funding towards the development of their scheme.

Further information

Vicky Wilford, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6046 or vickyw@hlf.org.uk

Anne Ainsley, SCPC Walled Garden Administrator on 01944 759 111 or info@scampston.co.uk