Scorched grass, dead trees: Climate change is destroying England’s famous palace gardens

Scorched grass and dead trees are increasingly visible in the grand gardens of England’s historic palaces. Hampton Court, Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House, created in part by celebrated garden designers such as Lancelot Brown and William Kent, usually draw visitors in large numbers.

This summer, however, record heatwaves and drought have taken a heavy toll on their plants and ancient trees. The gardens of these imposing estates now show how climate change is affecting some of England’s best-known landscapes.