We are privileged to be custodians of culturally significant heritage assets and take the role we play in safeguarding them for future generations incredibly seriously. In 2019, we committed to investing £50m over 10 years, repairing, restoring, improving and developing the Devonshire Group’s heritage properties and landscapes. In 2025/26, we achieved our target three years early, reaching £50.3m of spend since 2019.
In 2025/26, a total of £9.2m was spent repairing and restoring Devonshire Group properties and landscapes: £1.4m was spent on the Yorkshire estate, £2.7m on the Derbyshire estate and the Chatsworth House Trust spent a further £5.1m.
Caring for Chatsworth’s historic buildings, gardens and parkland is a responsibility that extends far beyond today, ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations.
One of the Trust’s most significant recent projects was the £1.8 million restoration of the Stables Clock Tower. Essential repairs to structural timbers, stonework and roofing have helped secure the future of this landmark building and reduce the need for ongoing maintenance.
Attention is now turning to the Cascade, one of Chatsworth’s most recognisable and beloved features. Flowing through the gardens since the 1690s, the Cascade has been in continuous use for centuries and now requires major conservation work to protect it for years to come.
The £7.3 million project will preserve this important piece of national heritage while creating new opportunities for learning, participation and visitor engagement. The restoration has been made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, charitable trusts and foundations, and the generosity of public supporters.
Continue reading about our 10 goals for 10 years...
Help create 1000 homes and 1000 jobs in the local area
By investing in the regeneration of areas around our estates
Double the benefit to local economies from our organisations
As measured by the value of the direct and indirect goods and services we buy
Buy at least 50% of our supplies and services locally
Within 30 miles by road of our estates
Enable every child in local schools to experience our estates
As part of their primary education, reaching every school through physical visits onsite or our virtual presence in schools
Achieve excellence in our visitor feedback scores
By scoring 90%+ for value for money, overall enjoyment and likelihood to recommend, in our customer feedback surveys
Be recognised as an excellent employer
Achieving scores of 80%+ for all measures of satisfaction and engagement in our staff and volunteer survey
Create 500 work opportunities for those in and just out of education
Working with local education and training providers to create these opportunities to benefit young people
Reduce our impact on the environment
Through improved management of waste and emissions
Improve the quality of life and wellbeing of our local communities
By providing accessible green spaces, reducing car journeys to our estates and supporting our local communities
