Lakeside

A lake of horticultural interest

Trentham has been collaborating with Professor Nigel Dunnett since 2016 in developing the Lakeside Walk in terms of adding both horticultural interest as well as ecological value.

Trentham Lake

At the heart of Trentham Gardens is the spectacular, mile-long, Capability Brown-designed Trentham Lake. Studded with small islands the Lake is alive with the sights and sounds of a wonderful array of wildlife. The circular lakeside walk takes in views of the River Trent, ancient wildflower meadows and woodlands, through the cascading weir and along atmospheric nature trails. There is so much to explore and be inspired by, including the bold and dramatic naturalistic planting design; ‘modern meadows’ by Nigel Dunnett creator of the acclaimed plantings at the Olympic Park, London. Created for successional seasonal interest and environmental suitability.

Early in 2023, we welcomed beavers into a 182-acre enclosure and parkland lake setting. Supported by experts at Beaver Trust, the family of Eurasian beavers – a native British species known for their keystone effect and benefits they bring to ecosystems – were reintroduced to the historic landscape which features a mile-long serpentine lake and historic woodland.

Lakeside Walk

Trentham’s lake is one-mile long, presenting as the perfect place for peaceful walks in all seasons. Since 2016, Trentham has been collaborating with Professor Nigel Dunnett in developing horticultural interest, as well as ecological value to the route

Sunny Meadows

The first scheme that greets you over the entrance bridge is the Sunny Meadows. Planted in 2016 with a challenging soil mixture, bold colour is present through to the early frosts, with the flower heads being a available source of food for wildlife notably visiting flocks of Goldfinches, Greenfinches and Bramblings.

Woodland Meadows

On the west lakeside, this scheme contains over 70,000 perennials and a count of over 200,000 bulbs in 8 matrix mixes inspired by North American woodlands – designed to cope with the woodland environment whilst giving year round colour and foliage interest.

In addition to the main meadows, in Autumn 2024, Professor Nigel Dunnett has been commissioned for a new design scheme at surrounding the Otter Sculpture on the East Lakeside.

Further to the herbaceous perennial schemes, a variety of other carefully chosen stands of shrubs and trees extend the variety and all year round interest of the Lakeside Walk.

Woodland Meadows

Woodland meadows – on the west lakeside, this scheme contains over 70,000 perennials and a count of over 200,000 bulbs in 8 matrix mixes inspired by North American woodlands – designed to cope with the woodland environment whilst giving year round colour and foliage interest.