‘Capability’ Brown’s final landscape masterpiece at Berrington Hall near Leominster is being brought to life throughout 2016 by environmental artists Red Earth. As part of the CB300 festival led by the Landscape Institute, Red Earth are creating a series of site-specific outdoor installations called ‘Genius Loci’; an artistic response to Brown’s ingenious parkland design. Four of these have already been created in the house and landscape but visitors now have another opportunity to see Red Earth in residence as they build their fifth captivating installation, ‘Telling the Waters’, on Berrington’s man-made 14-acre lake. Join them for three weeks this summer, from Monday 18 July to Friday 5 August, as they work out in the landscape, evoking a sense of what life would have been like at Berrington 300 years ago.

Berrington’s lake was designed by ‘Capability’ Brown; a serpentine pool which bends and curves so that it looks more like a river. Red Earth are working in response to Berrington’s parkland restoration plan, to return the landscape to Brown’s original vision. This involves clearing some of the excess reeds on the lake which they will then use to create their lake masterpiece. Visitors can get involved with reed cutting, stitching and binding on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July and learn more about Red Earth and their inspiration. Don’t miss Lord Strange, an 18th century folk dance band, playing atmospheric music in the house and courtyard, as well as Red Earth musicians who will fill the landscape with evocative song. Come and sing traditional work songs while you help Red Earth create their inspiring sculpture. Then on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July, visitors can witness the launch of ‘Telling the Waters’ onto the lake with a celebratory weekend for the whole family.

Daily from Monday 8 August, visitors can explore the completed exhibition. Begin with 'Calling in the Country' in the Oval Room of the mansion and experience the start of ‘Genius Loci’. Step out into the park to find 'The Opening Glade' in Georges Plantation, follow the 'Intending Lines' to 'The Plane Tables' and relax at the lake with 'Telling the Waters'.

The project is part of Trust New Art, the National Trust’s contemporary arts programme in partnership with Arts Council England, to inspire people of all ages to see and enjoy National Trust places in a new way through the eyes of contemporary artists.

More details about events, opening times, accessibility and all other activities and exhibitions taking place this year at Berrington Hall can be found by visiting their website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/berrington-hall