Beningbrough Hall, Mediterranean Garden

Overview

The Mediterranean Garden at Beningbrough Hall is the largest phase of a long-term vision to reinvent the estate’s eight-acre garden.

Designed by award-winning landscape architect Andy Sturgeon, the garden responds to climate change with drought-tolerant planting, improved drainage, and biodiversity-focused design.

Mason Clark Associates (MCA) were appointed by the National Trust to provide Quantity Surveying and Contract Administration services throughout the project.

Challenges and Solutions

• Extreme weather delays: The project faced some disruption due to a very wet autumn and winter, creating conditions which impacted on site access and construction timelines.
• Budget constraints: With a fixed funding envelope, cost forecasts were closely monitored and refined to manage financial risks which kept the project viable.
• Complex procurement needs: The garden involved multiple specialist packages, including hard landscaping, water features, and planting, requiring careful coordination and contractor selection.
• Sustainability goals: The design aimed to respond to climate change with drought-tolerant planting and low-maintenance materials, which influenced procurement and cost planning.
• Stakeholder coordination: The project involved collaboration with landscape architects, volunteers, and National Trust teams, requiring clear communication and cost reporting.

MCA addressed these challenges through proactive cost monitoring, value engineering, and close liaison with the project team to maintain progress and control.

MCA's Contribution

We provided full Quantity Surveying and Contract Administration services across RIBA stages 1–6.

• Our work included feasibility studies, budget refinement, procurement strategy, tender documentation, and cost control.
• We liaised with the landscape architect, engineers, and volunteers, ensuring the project remained within financial limits while meeting design and conservation objectives.

Our input was instrumental in delivering a high-quality, climate-resilient garden.

Results

The Mediterranean Garden opened to the public in 2024 and has quickly become a visitor favourite.

The garden features over 4,000 plants from Mediterranean climate zones, the garden includes York stone walls, water features, gravel pathways, and seating areas.

It has significantly improved biodiversity, with over 3,500 plants listed as RHS Plants for Pollinators.

The garden now offers a resilient, low-maintenance landscape that compliments the historic hall.

The Garden was included on the list of winners at the BALI National Landscape Awards.