Rudolph’s deer friends will be catered for this Christmas thanks to restoration of a historic deer barn at Dunham Massey.
The 18th century structure has undergone an innovative process to strengthen its roof and protect the building into the future. The National Trust took action to protect the Grade II listed building, with Trafford Council providing heritage advice ahead of the planning application.
The result preserves the deer barn, which features mangers for eating and 17 arches for deer to enter. The barn is associated with the park’s ancient use as a deer park – it was constructed alongside the park wall in the first half of the 18th century to aid in the management of the herd.
There’s still a thriving herd of deer at Dunham Massey enjoying the deer barn, alongside other wildlife, including owls, buzzards, woodpeckers and bats.
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:
“This is a wonderful structure that is nearly 300 years old. I’m delighted that it will continue to be preserved for generations to come, with the work done so sympathetically.
“We have an excellent heritage team in our planning department and they offer advice to anyone looking to do works to a listed building that require Listed Building Consent. It’s great that the National Trust has worked with us and are taking good care of the many historic buildings at Dunham Massey.”
Georgie Lofthouse, General Manager at Dunham Massey, said: “The deer barn at Dunham Massey was built as part of early 18th century park improvements, to provide shelter and store winter feed for the fallow deer that live here.
“It’s one of the earliest known examples still standing in England and it’s really important that we conserve this historic structure. The animals that call this place home benefit hugely from it and it’s a much-loved part of the Dunham Massey park and landscape.”
The restoration work responded to structural cracking. A Council officer’s report into the proposal said: “These repairs are the most viable and historically sensitive interventions when ensuring the asset’s continued conservation.
“The proposed development will serve to conserve and enhance the significance of the listed building.”
The National Trust cares for over 100 listed buildings and structures across the Dunham Massey estate, including the Grade I listed mansion.
Photo credit: National Trust Images and Annapurna Mellor