Understanding a time capsule

This historic property in The Cotswolds was intentionally reverted to a fallow state under the set aside scheme of the 1990s. It’s Victorian and 20th century infrastructure systems were all but lost to the sands of time.

When ownership changed hands Rural Maps was engaged to capture the knowledge of the outgoing family and employees. Digitise fragmented records on file from the past century, then fill in the gaps.

In the winter of 2024, all ditches and streams were walked and surveyed. It transpired that every single acre of heavy land, including several woodland plantations, were being drained through 125km of drain tile pipes or medieval ridge and furrow.  124 land drain outfalls were plotted – many of which were still running. A schedule of condition was drawn up, accompanied by a phased remedial works program.

Referring to Victorian maps and LIDAR, access routes long since engulfed by vegetation were trudged. Unearthing an extensive network of lost tracks, bridges, fords and culverts.

Anthony found and lifted every manhole cover on the estate. Traced cables, drains and pipes. Establishing what was what, and where it ran.

When it came to utility lines, plans were obtained from utility companies and corrected to their true positions.

Reservoirs and septic tanks, unknown to previous owners of 50+ years were brought back to life. Systems put in place decades earlier to supply water and keep ponds full during droughts were revitalised to be used once again.

The replacement cost of the infrastructure discovered and mapped was in excess of £1,500,000.

Anthony’s comprehensive knowledge of the estate was shared with the new owners and management via a single, evolving document on ‘How the estate works’. Mapping was uploaded via TheLandApp to enable collaboration.

Anthony’s knowledge of the estate is still called upon by architects, landscape designers and stewardship consultants wishing to understand the site, talk through proposals and develop it’s future.