'Ambitious' National Trust project gets support

A project at an "extraordinary" country house in Kent has received National Lottery funding, it has been announced.

The National Trust said it has been awarded about £280,000 to create a new car park, cafe, visitor centre and play area at Scotney Castle near Lamberhurst.

It added the "ambitious project" will also involve restoring the site's Grade II listed Walled Garden and 19th Century Vine House.

"Scotney Castle is an extraordinary place, rich in heritage and deeply valued by its local community," said Stuart McLeod from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"This essential work will help ensure the site's stories, beauty and biodiversity can be enjoyed by many more people for generations to come".

The trust says Scotney Castle is one of the UK's finest examples of a "picturesque landscape", referring to the 18th Century aesthetic movement that championed rugged and wild scenery over more orderly designs.

Parts of the picturesque vision which have been lost will also be recreated, it added.

The National Trust says it plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of about £3,260,000 at a later date.

Work on some parts of the project is due to start this spring, according to the trust.

All visitors are being advised to book their car parking slots in advance to avoid disappointment, as "some disruption" is expected while the new car park is built.

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