Famed view of beauty spot is revealed again after 150 years

STUNNING views of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal can be enjoyed by visitors for the first time in more than 150 years after completion of the lake's most ambitious conservation project.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Sep 2010, 20:49 BST
Updated 29th Sep 2010, 20:49 BST

An unwanted silt island has been removed revealing wonderful views of the Water Garden and turning the Lake into a mirror pool to the sky, as designer John Aislabie intended.

When The National Trust drained and dredged the lake the silt was so rich in nutrients it was put on adjoining fields.

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Once the lake was empty it was possible to record the 18th century boathouses for the first time which gave greater insights into how the Pleasure Grounds had been used. The dam and sluice gates were also inspected.

John Aislabie created a formal landscape with classical statues and follies to delight Georgian visitors. The view across the Lake into the water garden would have provided the first glimpse of the wonders in store and now modern visitors can see this too.

Removing the 60,000 tonnes of silt had also meant better water quality for plants and wildlife.

Chris Fowler, General Manager at Fountains Abbey, said: "In all my time at Fountains Abbey I've never seen the Lake looking so magnificent.

"This project took years to plan, and I'm delighted that it has been completed on time with such wonderful results."

Related topics:John AislabieGeorgian