‘Suffolk’s Unforgettable Garden Story’ launched by Historic England to discover hidden beauty spots
A new project that celebrates, discovers and protects Suffolk’s historic gardens and parks is being launched and needs your help.
Organised by Historic England and the Gardens Trust, the ‘Suffolk’s Unforgettable Garden Story’ project looks to discover more green spaces in Suffolk to be added to the National Heritage List for England.
With only 23 Suffolk sites on the list, including Bury St Edmunds’ Abbey Gardens, Helmingham Hall, Ixworth House, Belle Vue Park in Lowestoft and the Cliff Gardens and Town Hall Gardens in Felixstowe, organisers are eager to add more historic beauty spots from the county.
Christopher Laine, Historic England Landscape Architect, said: “With the help of local people, this fantastic project will help us to learn more about Suffolk’s historic designed landscapes.
“I’m really looking forward to hearing about the Suffolk parks, gardens and green spaces that people love.
“I’m sure we’ll be discovering some hidden historic gems that need protection and support.”
Historic England has been awarded a £36,000 grant for the new project and is looking for suggestions from the public as to which green space, garden or landscape that could be at risk to loss or decay.
The team particularly want to discover urban and suburban gardens, commercial sites as well as 20th century and post-war designed landscapes.
Karina Flynn, Suffolk Volunteer Support Officer for the Gardens Trust, said: “This project aims to encourage Suffolk communities to help protect historic outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“We look forward to building partnerships with individuals, groups and organisations to whom their local parks and gardens are indispensable.
“Volunteers are vital to this project, as with all the work of the Gardens Trust, so we really encourage people to get involved and share their local knowledge.”
A survey by the Heritage Fund revealed that 95 per cent of visits to historic parks are enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing and 60 per cent of visitors engage in more physical exercise as they use the parks.
To have your say on which green landscapes should be championed by this project, you can attend an open event in Suffolk on Saturday September 17 at 4pm to 6pm.
The open day’s venue has not been announced yet, however there will also be a virtual meet-up on Thursday September 22 for those who cannot attend the in-person event.
For more details on how to get involved, you can email Sally Bate on sallybate@thegardenstrust.org or Karina Flynn on karina.flynn@thegardenstrust.org.
Claire de Carle, Chair of Buckinghamshire Gardens Trust, said: “The role of our volunteers was key to the success of the Buckinghamshire project to research and record the lesser-known historic gardens in the county.
“Not only did they bring a wide range of skills to the project but have also seen the benefits of learning new ones, giving them the confidence to carry out their research and write reports.
“Their work is accessible to all on our website.”
“The volunteers have also brought enthusiasm and renewed vitality to the Trust, engaging the interest of our members and the wider community, by furthering an understanding of the importance of historic parks and gardens.”
