Transforming secret garden is a volunteer project 'like no other'

HOW SCHEME HAS BROUGHT COMMUNITY TOGETHER

- By JOSEPH LOCKER JLocal Democracy Reporter

“THIS is the oasis in the heart of Wollaton,’ says Steve Battlemuch, who represents the city suburb on Nottingham City Council.

The walled garden on the grounds of Wollaton Park was largely forgotten and shrouded in dense vegetation for decades, before hundreds of dedicated volunteers began to bring it back to life in 2015.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the fifth and sixth Lords Middleton spent considerable sums building gardens and park buildings across the vast hall estate.

Their projects included an expansive heated walled garden, built to provide fruits and vegetables to the household.

Dozens of fireplaces were built into the walls, which were hollow at the centre, allowing them to warm up - providing the ideal conditions for growing exotic fruit.

It remained in use even after the hall and park was sold to what is now the city council in 1924.

However, it was eventually abandoned in the 1980s and left to fall into ruin.

Decades passed before the Wollaton Walled Garden Project, launched to reclaim the four-acre wonder from being consigned to the history books.

The community-led collaboration between the Friends of Wollaton Park group and Wollaton Hall Historical Society has since led to the site reopening to the public during tour and event days.