Lakeside

A landscape by Capability Brown

At the heart of Trentham Gardens, the mile-long Capability Brown-designed lake is surrounded by woodland, wildflower meadows and naturalistic planting by Nigel Dunnett. The circular lakeside walk offers ever-changing views, abundant wildlife and peaceful places to pause throughout the seasons.

In 2023, Eurasian beavers were reintroduced to a dedicated 182-acre enclosure surrounding the lake, helping to restore a native species and enrich this remarkable landscape.

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.

Woodland Meadows

Woodland Meadows, Professor Nigel Dunnett’s first planting scheme at Trentham, was introduced in 2016 and is inspired by North American woodland planting. Designed to thrive beneath trees and along woodland edges, these areas offer layered foliage, seasonal colour, and a calm, immersive atmosphere as the planting evolves through the year.

Sunny Meadows

Sunny Meadows bring bold colour and movement to the more open areas of the lakeside. Designed to peak from summer into early autumn, these meadows also play an important role for wildlife, with seed heads providing food for birds such as goldfinches, greenfinches, and bramblings.

Hazel and Oxlip Meadow

The Hazel and Oxlip Meadow introduces a softer, more woodland-inspired character. With spring highlights and a naturalistic, informal feel, this area reflects traditional woodland planting while supporting early-season pollinators.

Otters Meadow - new in 2025!

Designed by Professor Nigel Dunnett and planted in 2025, Otters Meadow continues the sustainable meadow theme around the Otter Sculpture. The scheme has been developed to support a diverse range of insects and wildlife while remaining low-maintenance and resilient.

Planted into a free-draining sand and grit substrate, and using carefully selected species, the meadow demonstrates an approach adapted to the challenges of climate change, including drought and variable conditions.

Kingfisher & Otter Hide Planting

Designed by Trentham’s gardens team in 2024, the planting around the Kingfisher Hide provides shelter, structure, and year-round interest while blending seamlessly into the lakeside environment. This area encourages quiet observation and offers opportunities to experience the close relationship between planting, water, and wildlife.

Bluebell Meadow

As part of our ongoing commitment to horticulture and biodiversity, we have spent the past few years planting bluebells and wildflower seeds through our Bluebell Meadow Project. This is a legacy initiative designed to benefit generations to come, and we are excited to watch this space continue to develop and mature over time.

North Jetty Wildlife Garden - new for 2026!

The North Jetty Wildlife Garden is a hub for learning and engagement where you can discover the Tip Toe Trail and Junior Kart Track, playful interpretation, planting and connect with wildlife in a natural environment.