The moated Broughton Castle is rather isolated on its island and a consideration of the area to the West of the building led to the proposal of planting beech and yew hedges to form an outdoor performance space, sundial and (by default) a children’s playground.

The circular beech hedge at five metres high has multiple entrances to the secret garden at whose centre is an enigmatic patinated copper cone. The tip of the cone acts as a gnomon marking the hours as its shadow passes over the edge of the clipped yew hedges.

The land inside the circle rises towards the centre giving interest and ensuring that the open slope towards the stage gives good site-lines for the audience during outdoor theatre and music performances in the summer evenings.