Site Works Progressing Well at National Trust’s Calke Abbey

The Fitzgerald Contractors site team have begun civil engineering works at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire as part of National Trust’s new outdoor hub that will bring improved facilities and ensure that the Abbey continues to be protected.

The £1.3m scheme comprises a new 100 space car park, footpaths, cycle routes and outdoor recreation areas, including natural play and nature trails over 600 acres of parkland. Since works began in April our site team have made very good progress and has been focussed on establishing a safe access road into the site, associated site clearance and constructing 5 swales which are now ready to be seeded.

Calke Abbey Estate is home to a Grade 1 listed house with parts of our works taking place in areas designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and national nature reserve. The chosen location of the ‘Calke Explore’ outdoor hub was very important in order to have the least impact on the historic park and wildlife, as well being suitable for the facilities required. Subsequently our team are carrying out works in a phased manner away from the main site and outside of the historic parkland and National Nature Reserve.

Fitzgerald Managing Director Nick Coley said: ‘The scheme has had sustainability in mind from the outset with the planning and programming of our works being carried out in close coordination with National Trust. In particular it was important for us to learn of Calke Abbey’s ecological information to ensure that our work methodologies are best adapted and communicated to our teams and all relevant parties’.