Conservation work takes place on a regular basis throughout the estate at Croome, to protect this special place for everyone, for ever. Take a look at some of the restoration that has taken part in the parkland over the past three decades, as well as some of the projects that have taken place.
Back in 2013, 600 slow-worms were moved from a site in Pershore to an area of land within Croome’s 700-acre parkland. This was considered an ideal relocation spot as it had a similar soil structure and plant species to their previous home with no other existing slow-worm populations. It also provides a habitat in which they can hunt and hide, safe from cats and dogs which often pose a threat to them.
The parkland team have made improvements to these areas by strimming three metre square expanses of grass and covering with sections of corrugated iron and roofing felt. Being cold blooded, slow-worms rely on the warmth of the sun so will bask on these and warm up away from the shade of the longer grass and shrubs and safe from the risk of predation.
Hibernation sites (Hibernacula) were also created providing areas where the animals can take shelter in the winter and find safe refuge to hibernate. Ongoing conservation of their habitat helps them thrive at Croome.
Croome is lucky to currently have a habitat preferred by the nightingale. It is a secretive bird which prefers living in the middle of an impenetrable bush. It requires open scrubby ground on which to feed and plenty of cover. The conditions in the shelter belt at Croome are perfect for the nightingale, a central open area with sparse ground cover, with high canopy tree cover and dense scrubby bush either side. They are more often heard than seen.
Over the last 40 years there has been a 90 per cent decline in numbers of nightingales in the UK, and the emerging picture indicates their range is continuing to contract towards the extreme south east of England. The team at Croome have consulted with specialist ecologists and ornithologists to ensure that the nightingale habitat at Croome can be preserved.
Please help us to protect the nightingales by keeping your dog on a short lead. They build their nests on the ground through the shelter belt from the end of the river to Menagerie Wood and by keeping your dog on a lead this will prevent their nests from being disturbed.
1990s
In 1996, the National Trust acquired parkland, lake, river, garden buildings and Park Seat at Croome. In 1998, the Croome Park Conservation management plan was written, drawing on archive research to guide future restoration.
The first action from this plan took place in 1999, when the Wilderness Walk was replanted.
With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.
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Discover the major conservation work we’ve undertaken at Croome Court, as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded project to protect the house from further deterioration.
Read about Croome's eclectic history, as a home to the 6th Earl and the Coventry family, its time as RAF Defford's airbase, a school for boys, Hare Krishna centre, and the people that helped shape it.
Stretch your legs and take in winter scenes with far reaching views to the Malvern Hills across 'Capability' Brown's first major landscape design project.
The Walled Gardens are now closed for 2024 and will reopen on Saturday 5 April 2025. Discover more about the privately owned Walled Gardens at Croome, home to large greenhouses, a rose garden and vegetable plots.
Read about our strategy 'For everyone, for ever' here at the National Trust, which will take the organisation through to 2025.
We believe that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. That’s why we’re supporting wildlife, protecting historic sites and more. Find out about our work.
