General Spiritual Director
A Week of Inspiration, Community, and Inner Peace
Jul 18, 2026
Conishead Priory
Grounds & Paths
An inspiring new project shaping the future of Manjushri KMC's diverse and peaceful woodlands
- ABOUT -
The Grounds & Paths at Conishead Priory
The woodland and grounds of Conishead Priory were originally formed in the mid-18th century as a beautifully designed landscape, with ornamental gardens and specimen trees, including cedar of Lebanon and Douglas fir.
From the 1930s onwards, there were several periods of reforestation including, amongst others, a large stand of hybrid larch and a group of spruce which were originally planted as a Christmas tree crop!
Needless to say, the Christmas tree project never came to fruition, and the spruce can still be seen today.
With 75 acres, including thousands of trees, woodland management to date has principally been focused on safety.
A Sustainable Future?
A rare western red cedar, lost in 2023 due to a weakened root system resulting from heavy footfall and soil compaction.
CHALLENGES
Soil compaction through walking and cycling on waterlogged ground, weakening tree root systems, and destroying plants.
Overcrowded trees resulting in root instability and preventing natural forest regeneration.
Control of invasive species.
Natural disease e.g. Ash Dieback.
Free running dogs disturbing other visitors and wildlife.
Wear and tear on paths and parking areas.
Woodcocks are ground nesting birds that could breed in dog-on-lead areas
Sweet chestnut choked by laurel
(an invasive species)
A Multi-phased Project Begins...
An example of historically designed woodland
To reverse the decline and manage impact, we are embarking on an ambitious project to restore the woods and the natural habitat to their former glory.
THE VISION
Restore the historic character of the designed woodland, through woodland management and introducing new specimen trees.
Maintain existing healthy specimen trees, preventing root damage by re-routing paths.
Increase woodland resilience through increasing species diversity.
Remove non-native shrubs such as rhododendron and laurel.
Promote new tree generation by bringing light to the woodland floor.
Improve wildlife habitat diversity through deadwood retention, canopy management, and establishing wildlife habitat zones.
Enhance visitor experience by installing woodland interpretation boards.
Restore balance through zoning and mapping the permissive paths.
Everybody Welcome!
Open to all, Conishead Priory and Grounds offers a unique tranquil sanctuary for Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre residential community and guests, day visitors and the wildlife that depends on the woodland.
To preserve this unique environment, to restore balance, and to ensure safe enjoyment for all – humans, dogs, and wildlife – some new developments are happening!
Current permissive access is being revised, and the woodlands and grounds will feature new clear signage, distinct user areas, defined opening hours, and improved paths.
Duckboard is planned in certain areas for improved walkways
Willow Tit
Scarlet elf cup
New zoning for permissive paths
Get Involved!
There are many ways in which you can support this project:
1. Tread Lightly: Follow all signage, Follow all signage, stay on designated paths, place all trash in the bins provided.
2. Respect other users including the including the precious wildlife.
3. Volunteer! Help is needed with planting, grounds care, and path construction.
4. Donate. Access is free of charge. If you enjoy the grounds and woodlands, please consider donating to this project. All donations are welcome and much appreciated.
