FOUR Derbyshire schools have been chosen to play a key role in the development phase of work to restore the Grade I-listed Cascade at Chatsworth House.
Netherthorpe School, in Staveley, Whittington Moor Infant & Nursery, Barrow Hill and Dunston Academy – all part of the Cavendish Learning Trust – plus mental health charity Derbyshire MIND will explore the wellbeing benefits of visiting the much-loved Cascade.
The group will also look to bring Cascade stories fully to life, like that of Chatsworth’s ‘water artery’ – a marvel of nature-based engineering that flows from the moors through the woodlands and garden and powers the Cascade on its way to the river Derwent – and its links to critical environmental and sustainability initiatives at Chatsworth.
Dave Williams, CEO of the Cavendish Learning Trust, said: “The Cavendish Learning Trust has a great relationship with Chatsworth House and it is an honour to be a part of such an important project.”
Built over 325 years ago, the iconic structure is made up of a temple of 13 spouts and fountains which run over 24 different shaped and textured stone steps.
The Chatsworth House Trust – a registered charity – has been awarded £422,000 of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help kick-start its ‘Celebrating the Cascade’ project. A key element of the project will be the creation of a public outreach programme to make the Cascade, and the entire garden at Chatsworth, feel more accessible and exciting for visitors and learners of all ages, and with a wide range of needs.
The full restoration project has been estimated at over £7m and is urgently required due to rapid structural deterioration caused by the leakage of water through the mortar and joints in the stonework, and around the surrounding earth, into a 19th century tunnel driven underneath the fountain, which was once used to supply the Great Conservatory with coal.
Lord Burlington, chairman of the Chatsworth House Trust, said: “We have recently launched a new strategic vision for Chatsworth with access, inclusion and education at its heart.
“’Celebrating the Cascade’ is a key project aligned with this vision and our refreshed ambition to have transformational impacts on people and on nature, and on the links between the two. Increasing inclusion and broadening audience is a key priority for the Chatsworth House Trust.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Since it was established in 1994, it has awarded £8.6 billion of National Lottery and other funding to more than 50,000 projects that help to sustain and transform the UK’s heritage.
