News from the Norfolk Estate
Published Summer 2020
Stephen Manion updates us on the effects of lockdown on the Estate.
ESTATE work continues during the current lockdown period, albeit observing government guidelines. It was inevitable that following a record wet winter when we had over and above our normal annual rainfall of 27 inches, we go into a long dry spell with high winds evaporating moisture. Tree plants that were planted in February are desperate for a drink along with most other crops.
The in-hand farming along with arable crops has 1500 Romney breeding ewes and April is the month they lamb. Ironically, the dry period has worked in our favour and they lamb outside in the fields and a good dry period allows the lambs to have a good start.
Arundel Park is proving to be an excellent area during these difficult times for people to exercise and enjoy the countryside.
The Castle, virtually
One of the most unusual experiences I have had in my career, correct that – in my life – was standing in
the castle watching the clock approach 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday 1st April, with a grand total of four other people in the building. This was no April Fool’s joke: we were not opening to visitors.
All of the hard work which had gone into the castle was not to be seen by anyone else for the foreseeable future. Action was needed, and swiftly. This is when you appreciate the excellent quality of colleagues and the valuable support of partners. Our strength was to be the creative energy of this superb team.
The most pressing matter was the glorious gardens and the fabulous display of our annual Tulip Festival, which was approaching
its peak. Fortunately, over the previous year, we had built up a good working relationship with Sam Moore of VisualAir. He came to the gardens and over a period
of days, working closely, and safely, with Head Gardener Martin and the gardening team to film drone and Steadicam footage of not only the tulips, but also seasonal gardening tips on planting.
The castle has always had a strong social media presence, with regular posts. This was one obvious avenue to enable a wider audience to at least see the gardens and castle, but there was a need for something more lasting and to showcase wonderful images.
Prior to the effect of the pandemic, we were working with a web design company, Lime Juice, on a new castle site, which is- for obvious reasons- on hold. Richard and Rachel were keen to be involved in our project and suggested a new microsite, which they established within 24 hours and on which we could publish photographs and videos. Visitors from across the world now enjoy www.tulipfestival.co.uk from the comfort of their living rooms.
Over the coming weeks, whilst unfortunately our gates remain closed, a series of virtual experiences will be released, from internal tours to an events programme.
Our events are something that many people will miss, with the opportunity to see, hear and take part in exciting medieval activities. The organiser of our historical events, Paul Ullson, is also adept with a marker pen. Our Facebook page has been an outlet for our intrepid reporter, which will hopefully have raised a smile across the nations.
In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the castle, gardens and the Arundel area.