After some time working in the gardens at Ham House, for my final design project at Inchbald I approached the team with an idea to reimagine key areas of the estate. They agreed as they wanted a long-term vision to transform the north meadows—currently just grassland, prone to flooding, with rows of lime trees—into a space with historical integrity, stronger ties between the river and house, and better biodiversity in line with the National Trust’s goals.

To tackle these challenges, I proposed reconnecting the house to the river by reinstating the old river entrance from the 1742 Helmingham Plan. Visitors would be guided along the Thames path from the car park, with glimpses of the house strategically revealed through cut-outs in the tree line, heightening anticipation before it emerges in full along the avenue of lime trees. A new feature bridge would then lead visitors directly to the property over water.

I enhanced biodiversity by creating a mix of “carr” woodland, wetland, and meadow habitats, while carefully directing human pathways to reduce wildlife disturbance. The design draws inspiration from the house’s interior, with curved lines for ponds and paths reflecting its wood panelling and 16th-century flooring. The wetland ponds, doubling as a Sustainable Drainage System, not only protect against Thames flooding but also revive the historical landscape of Ham before the house was built.

The gardens team loved the layered design and its blend of history, nature, and purpose.