Work is underway at Shugborough Estate to create 'Arcadia', the National Trust's first Forest Garden.

80,000 plants are being planted in the east slip gardens, as part of a wider project to redevelop the walled garden at the estate.

Arcadia will be home to a variety of smaller, interconnected gardens including a demonstration garden, medicinal garden and a global garden. Each area will be filled with a variety of plants with diverse uses, environmental benefits and designed to inspire visitors to try forest gardening techniques at home.

This innovative garden is also being planted to build resilience to climate change by acting as its own sustainable eco-system, by feeding itself, watering itself and fertilising itself.

The project has been part funded by the DEFRA Trees For Climate programme through Forest of Mercia CIC, as well HSBC UK and funds raised through donations from NT Associations and individual donors.

Arcadia will be open for pre-bookable tours during July, with tickets available to book now. It will fully open for free-flow visits in spring next year.

Discover more about this project at nationaltrust.org.uk.

Photo credit: © Worker Drones