What was once a bare paddock in the Shropshire countryside has been transformed into a thriving naturalistic garden centred around a stunning swimming pond. Surrounded by open farmland and a meandering river, the project was an opportunity to create a landscape that felt completely at home in its rural setting.

Our clients dreamed of a chemical-free swimming experience inspired by childhood memories of wild swimming. We designed a large natural swimming pond with a 20m x 4.5m swim zone, generous regeneration areas, acurved feature deck, jetty, bubbling boulders and a gently shelving beach.

The wider garden was designed to support biodiversity and year-round interest. Wildflower meadows, perennial borders defined with welded steel edging, and naturalistic planting schemes were installed to integrate the pond into its environment.

The project presented significant technical challenges, including a high water table, unexpected land drains and exceptionally wet weather. To maintain our concrete-free construction approach, we engineered a specialist drainage solution and carefully shaped the pond from the existing ground, creating a structure that appears as though it has always been part of the landscape.

Sustainability guided the project throughout. The pond was lined using durable EPDM, thermally modified ash was chosen for the decking, and locally sourced stone was used to create retaining walls, pathways and beach areas. More than 200 tonnes of soil were carefully regraded to shape the site and improve water management.

Today, the garden feels like a hidden oasis. The swimming pond sits naturally within the landscape, surrounded by wildlife-friendly planting and beautiful views across the countryside. It is a place for swimming, relaxation and family gatherings - a tranquil retreat that looks as though nature created it itself.