**Winner – Heritage Landscape Award 2020 – Irish Landscape Institute**
The walled gardens in Beech Park, Clonsilla measure 1.5 acres in size and were created by David Shackleton over 200 years ago. During the 1980s, the gardens were included in The Good Gardens Guide and awarded two stars, the highest accolade awarded by the Guide and reserved for the very best gardens in Britain and Ireland. The gardens were acquired by Fingal County Council in 2018 with a plan to restore the gardens to their original glory and open them as a major visitor attraction.
Following a rigorous tendering procedure, Oldstone Conservation was awarded the restoration contract, taking cognisance of Oldstone’s experience and ability to complete works to the highest of standards.
Works
The restoration works involved the rebuilding of large sections of the garden walls, upgrading of paths and the restoration of the garden buildings.
The garden is enclosed by a masonry wall over 300metres in length and up to 3.0 metres in height and works involved vegetation removal; crack stitching; rebuild of the wall capping; repair of loose and missing masonry; repointing & lime render to the wall faces; repair to the gated entrances.
The outbuildings consist of the Vine House, Potting Shed, Hot House, Hot Beds and Formal Pond. The Hot House and the abutting boundary wall were taken down and reconstructed. The potting shed had a new roof, entrance steps and floor installed. Terracotta floors tiles were laid within all three buildings. The formal pond was reconstructed with the original Yorkstone paving reinstated. New glasshouses were installed to the Vine House & Potting Shed which required close liaison with the supplier and Client.
The paths throughout were restored requiring the existing gravel surfaces to be replaced, installation of limestone kerbs and installation of service ducts to provide water, power and telecom services.
