Taking Stock After the Storm

A Conversation with Head Gardener Darren Little

In the days following Storm Goretti, the landscape of St Michael's Mount has been left markedly changed. Gusts strong enough to fell mature trees and strip established planting have reshaped areas that have taken generations to form.

Head Gardener Darren Little talks about the impact of the storm, the immediate priorities on the island, and how the team is beginning to look ahead carefully and thoughtfully to what comes next.

Photos Courtesy Hugh Hastings/Getty Images

What was the immediate impact of Storm Goretti on the estate?

“The scale of it took time to fully understand. On Friday morning, we assessed it quickly and noticed around 70-80 trees were down, but it wasn’t until later on Monday when we made the area safe that the count escalated to 119. Beyond that, there’s been widespread damage to other plants including camellias, hydrangeas and rhododendrons, and to the overall character of the landscape. Some of what’s been affected isn’t immediately visible, and that makes it something we need to approach slowly and with care.”

How has the team responded in the days since?

“The focus has been on safety and assessment. Before anything else, we need to make sure paths and working areas are secure. Alongside that, we’re documenting what’s been lost and what may recover naturally. Eventually, we will move forward with a replanting strategy. There’s a balance between acting quickly where it’s necessary and not rushing decisions that will shape the landscape moving forward.”

Has anything surprised you about the damage?

“Yes, both in terms of what has been lost and what has remained standing. Some trees that have weathered many storms before came down, while others nearby have held firm. It’s a reminder that landscapes are living systems, influenced by soil, exposure and history, not just size or age.”

How does an event like this change how you view the gardens?

“It forces a pause. The island has always evolved as a result of decades of planting, loss and renewal. This storm is part of that longer story. Our role now is to listen to the landscape, understand what it’s telling us, and respond in a way that respects both its heritage and its future resilience.”

What comes next for the gardens?

“For now, it’s about clearing carefully and allowing space for reflection. Replanting is not something to rush into. Any future decisions need to be informed by what we’ve learned about weather patterns, about the site’s vulnerabilities, and about what will thrive here in years to come. It’s very much a long view.”

While Storm Goretti has undeniably altered the Mount’s landscape, it has also opened a moment for careful consideration. Recovery here will be gradual and deliberate, shaped by experience, observation and a deep respect for this unique place.