The Charm Of Belvoir Castle

The original plan

Belvoir has recently undergone something of a transformation, one that will only come to full fruition for future generations, based on the famous landscape designer Capability Brown’s original drawings for Belvoir. These drawings, which had lain in the archives for 200 years, and the bicentenary of one of the largest influences on the landscape of large houses, Brown, were a catalyst for action. Emma, Duchess of Rutland, put a plan into action: that of finishing the work started in the 18th century, and restoring and completing Brown’s initial ideas for Belvoir.  

While around 80 per cent of Brown’s plan had been followed closely by the 5th Duke and Duchess of Belvoir, they were never completed. So, for example, a perimeter of trees to surround the parkland was never planted, the lakes remained unfinished, and various plantings of clumps of trees, a signature of Brown’s, were also absent. 

Work started in 2013, with the restoration of 500 acres of woodland, creating new paths, restoring old ones and clearing areas of older plantings. At the same time, the perimeter tree belt was planted, with 5,200 native broadleaf trees being put in by February 2015. The Devon and Memorial Lakes were also worked, on, which had become silted over and surrounded by dense vegetation. By March of 2015, 8,000 tons of silt were removed, the ponds were hollowed out and filled with water. The scrubby willow and alder that had self-sown around the lakes were removed, and fish were introduced. 

Shooting in a stunning landscape

So while Belvoir has always given shooters the most stunning views during a day’s sport, it’s now also true to Capability Brown’s original vision for the estate, with extensive grounds, lakes and clever planting of trees. It’s been a huge piece of work, but now you really can see what he meant with his drawings. The shoot, incidentally, has four full-time keepers and one underkeeper, with shoot manager Nick Pacey ensuring days run like clockwork: “It’s quite something to see the whole team in their tweeds. There’s a great sense of loyalty and pride at Belvoir. Ron Wells, for example, who was headkeeper for 40 years still joins on most days to pick up!” The landscape isn’t the only thing that’s seen change, either. There’s a brand-new Gun bus that’s kitted out better than most people’s sitting rooms with a bar and tweed curtains! 

For more information on Belvoir Castle and shooting opportunities visit here. 

Photo credits to Applewhite Garden Design