Important work to restore Cirencester Park’s historic avenue to its former glory by replacing failing Horse Chestnut trees with Small Leaved Limes continues this autumn. The work, which began in 2019, is being undertaken in phases to minimise disruption to Park visitors and in accordance with necessary ecological licences to ensure wildlife is protected.
Phase I of the restoration project concluded in 2020 along a 340 metre (370 yards) section from the Park’s entry point at Cecily Hill Gates, to the folly known as the Hexagon.
Phase II commenced in January 2025, continuing the work on a 740 metre (809 yards) stretch of the famous walk. Following consultation with the Forestry Commission and Natural England, trees and vegetation without potential bat roost features were felled and 34 Small Leaved Limes were successfully planted (Phase II a).
Broad Avenue after felling in February 2025
(Phase II a)
Phase II b takes place in September/ October 2025, when trees that were identified to have bat roost features will be felled over a period of 7 weeks.
The work is supervised and closely monitored by on-site ecologists who inspect for bats in trees prior to felling; if bats are found, they are safely rehomed to bat boxes or suitable roost features in adjacent woodlands.
Replanting will take place in February and March 2026. The Bathurst Estate has funded all works to date while Phase II b is part-funded by a Farming in Protected Landscapes grant (FiPL) which is administered by Cotswolds National Landscape.
During the tree felling, Park visitors will be redirected to alternative walking routes as shown here:
There will be an opportunity to learn more about woodland management and this project on a guided walk with Lord Bathurst and Forest Manager Iain Garett on Tuesday 16th September 2025. This and other events in Cirencester Park can be booked here: What’s on: Cirencester Park Events.
