A rustic wooden bridge with handrails made from natural tree branches, leading to water tower on the river wye

Powys Wales
Temperate rainforest garden in mid Wales

Rhayader (Rhaeadr Gwy) is the very first town along the River Wye. Framed by the peaks of the Cambrian Mountains and nestled within the Elan Valley, the area feels suspended in time. Just steps away from the busy torrent of the A470, lies a hidden sanctuary - an old farmhouse with six acres of diverse, open woodland forest garden running parallel to the River Wye with glassy pools of water, ancient smooth rocks and woodland.

Eaglestone Gardens, in collaboration with passionate clients and experienced local builders, has embarked on an ambitious journey to re-imagine part of this six-acre site. The land is steeped in layers of the past, stones carved with enigmatic fish iconography - to the legacy of Cistercian monks who once lived nearby.

The goal is to allow the native ecosystem to reclaim the site and bring joy to families and friends who visit.

The initial stage required a monumental effort to clear the grounds. A mammoth undertaking saw the removal of dense invasive rhododendron and thicket.

The landscape is being reshaped to embrace its watery heritage. The plan is to establish thriving new wetland habitats including water holes and bogland designed to filter water and support local biodiversity.

Strategic tree planting was introduced alongside the reclamation of lost, sweeping views. At the heart of the site stands a majestic, 300-year-old copper beech tree.

Groundwork was completed for extensive wildflower meadow planting, designed to invite pollinators back, as well as perennial border planting around the main terraces of the farmhouse.

With the foundations established, the project will begin to focus on human connection and immersive interaction with the land. Stage Two will see the creation of a renewed, meandering pathway, boardwalks through the wetland meadows, a bridge over to an incomplete hydro station, (turned into a bird and otter hide) as well as further tree planting.

I am loving the journey of this project with the clients, the family led- approach and the characters we are meeting along the way.

Herbaceous border planting with autumnal planting featuring
Lush green garden with various trees, plants, and flowers, surrounded by a stone border and gravel pathway.
An aerial view of the woodland after the rhododendron has been cleared before our rewilding project commences

“Knowledgeable, inspiring, creative, hard working and absolute joy to work with.”

Kate

A garden scene with various green plants, pink flowers on tall stems, and some purple and yellow flowers, surrounded by lush foliage.
A lush garden with various green plants and colorful flowers, including pink, purple, and orange blossoms, along a dirt path with rocks.
the development of the ephemeral pond and boardwalk area through the forest garden and wetland meadow
Stacked logs in the woods for habitat and sculptural garden piece
A photo of a wooded area with trees and shrubs, showing the side of a building with a window. Overlaid on the photo are white sketch-like drawing of a wooden bridge, labeled with details for construction, including dimensions and materials, with red lines and markings.

Bridge works to the hydro station, mid works. Peeled log beams and natural branch handrails are in place, with temporary boards laid across.

A lush green garden with various trees, plants, and a stone border surrounding a small pond or water feature, with a pathway on the left side.
A person walking on a curved wooden bridge in a lush green forest.
Construction site with a boardwalk being built over an ephemeral pond and the circular drystone walling being installed
A wildflower meadow featuring rosebay willow herb and slate stepping stones
A newly excavated pond with prepared area for new woodland orchard
Gunnera planted along the river wye under pine trees
Wooden bridge under construction connecting trees and a brick structure in a forested area with a ladder leaning against the structure.
View through a narrow unfinished window opening showing a forest with several trees and green foliage outside.
Preparing timber for the bespoke wooden bridge

View of the river from the water tower, where we have been building a new bridge from timber sourced from the woodland.

Design and build
Eaglestone Gardens

Gardening & Build
Tony, Fred, Kate, Peter & Herman

Photography
Tom Eaglestone Tony Wadham

Drone photography
Tom Eaglestone

Back to projects