Englefield Estate

Work starts this month on a project to reduce downstream flooding and bring back wildlife to the river Pang and its tributary The Bourne.

Decades of change have increased the flood risk and affected wildlife habitats, but we’re embarking with partners on The Pang Restoration and Resilience Project with the aim of reversing the damage, cutting the flood risk and improving the environment for fish, birds, mammals and other wildlife.

Heavy machinery might be spotted on the 2km stretch of the river that runs through the Estate – but it is all in a good cause.

Chalk streams, with their crystal-clear waters are vital habitats for native British wildlife including brown trout, eels, water voles, otters and kingfishers. We are pleased the Estate can play its part in this important project.

Read more on our website here: https://www.englefieldestate.co.uk/estate-news/estate-embarks-on-river-pang-restoration-and-resilience-project

As we mark the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings, we're taking the time to reflect on the role Englefield House played as a red cross auxiliary Hospital during World War II.

Due to the large numbers of war casualties, hospitals quickly became overwhelmed, and country houses were subsequently transformed into hospitals.

At Englefield House, the long gallery became a hospital ward for up to 19 patients. Volunteers were trained and told of their duties in the Drawing Room, and injured servicemen were able to stroll the grounds of the Estate during their recovery.

Most patients stayed for around 14 days, and the clean country air was considered helpful to their recuperation.

The hard-work and dedication of local volunteers at the time was truly remarkable. Find out more on page 11 of the Englefield Echo 2024: https://www.englefieldestate.co.uk/our-publications

This Thursday, 28th May, Padel Shift will be hosting a pop-up outside Cobbs Farmshop to share a vision for padel courts on the Englefield Estate.

Visitors are welcome to drop by between 12pm and 3pm to find out more about padel tennis, explore the architectural plans and have their say in the planning process. We hope to see you there.

The 5adaygarden in Englefield Village works with people of all ages throughout the year, offering everything from school visits and outdoor learning sessions to social groups for older residents.

For many children, a session in the garden is their first real experience of growing something and exploring where their food comes from - something particularly relevant this !

We're so glad to have Five a Day as part of this community. Head to https://fiveaday.org.uk/ to find out more.

📷- Hype Photography

offers us a timely opportunity to reflect on something that has been part of life on the Estate for nearly 30 years.

Our annual Schools Days began in 1997, when Sir William Benyon invited local children to come and discover more about the Estate, its history and the countryside around them.

That first event welcomed 315 children from five schools. In 2025, more than 1,400 pupils from 35 local schools spent the day in the grounds of Englefield House, the deer park and the village. They learnt about farming, forestry, habitats, history, food and much more, led by Estate staff and local organisations who give their time and knowledge generously.

The value of connecting children with the natural world feels more important than ever, and we're looking forward to welcoming pupils back for Schools Days 2026.

Essential works will start next week (Thursday 28th May) to repair and re-point a section of the brick and flint wall that forms the boundary between Englefield Deer Park and Common Hill.

These works will be carried out by a highly skilled team with specialist experience of heritage masonry.

To ensure the safety of the team, temporary traffic lights will be in place along Common Hill for eight weeks from Wednesday 27th May. We apologise in advance for any disruption this may cause.

📷 A section of wall which had to be taken down and skilfully rebuilt to accommodate the trunk of this oak tree.

The Englefield Charitable Trust has awarded its first round of grants for 2026.

Funding has been provided to organisations and community groups local to the Englefield Estate in Berkshire, The Benyon Estate in London and Glenmazeran in Scotland.

These include Thrive, Dingley's Promise, Adult Literacy Trust, Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance - SCAA and many more!

To find out more about the Trust and how to apply for grants, visit: https://www.englefieldestate.co.uk/community/englefield-charitable-trust

Working with children and animals is proving to be hugely rewarding for one of our tenants.

Aptly named Stable Futures, this specialist outdoor learning provider offers equine and animal-assisted therapy which supports children and young people with a range of educational and behavioural challenges.

From horses and ponies to alpacas and guinea pigs, the children have the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals through carefully coordinated learning and support programmes designed around their needs.

Not only does this service benefit mental health and wellbeing, it provides opportunities to return to mainstream education or move into training or work.

To find out more about Stable Futures, click here: https://www.englefieldestate.co.uk/estate-news/learning-from-animals-with-stable-futures-at-simms-farm

Amegreen Children's Services

We have an exciting opportunity to join the gardening team at Englefield House.

The role involves maintenance and care for the walled kitchen and woodland gardens, which are open to visitors every Monday throughout the year and are the venue for various events and filming.

The successful candidate will be a versatile, hands-on gardener and good team worker with broad
horticultural knowledge.

For more details and how to apply, please visit: https://www.englefieldestate.co.uk/job-opportunities

We recently shared a fascinating story about scorched beams that were uncovered in Englefield House last year.

Did you know the fire that caused the damage was actually first spotted by Mrs Elizabeth Benyon?

The story goes that she was travelling along the Bath Road – now the A4 – on her way to a garden party at Ufton Court with her daughter, when she spotted smoke coming from Englefield House.

Today, we could use a mobile phone to raise the alarm, but back then she only had one option - and records report that she returned at “all speed”!

Despite the efforts of Englefield villagers and staff, parts of the building were destroyed, and where the fire started remains a mystery.

If you would like to find out more, visit page 26/27 of the Englefield Echo here: https://www.englefieldestate.co.uk/our-publications

📷- Englefield History