Bradgate Park Gardening Group last year became one of the first recipients of our recently launched Community Grant, made possible thanks to the generosity of the Gentian Trust.
Bradgate Park is an 830-acre historic landscape surrounding the Grade-II* ruins of Bradgate House. Once a medieval deer park, it is now public parkland maintained by the Bradgate Park Trust. The Bradgate Park Gardening Group applied for a grant to buy new tools, planting materials and interpretation for the kitchen garden, which is an important part of the historic fabric of one of the country’s first brick-built Tudor mansions. The new equipment will enable their volunteers to garden to a higher standard, improve interpretation and increase public access.
They’ve been busy putting their new equipment to use tidying and clearing the garden ready for the spring. In their most recent session, some of the team installed a trellis for growing pumpkins – a new venture for the group. The group are eagerly anticipating the first open event of the year on 12th February, a particularly special date as it marks the anniversary of the execution of Lady Jane Grey – a fantastic opportunity for engaging visitors with the fascinating history of the site and a chance to showcase the group’s efforts to date.
Kip, Bradgate Park Warden and the coordinator of the group, said of the grant: “I have always been a keen gardener and am passionate about the wellbeing benefits it can offer. The group are fantastic, we are all so passionate about the space and learn new things every week. We are really grateful to the Garden Trust for the generous funding which has meant we now have the right equipment to see the garden flourish”
Planning has also begun for a busy schedule of spring open events that sit in line with the opening of Bradgate House Ruins. The group will continue to meet weekly with the next few sessions involving the installation of a new bench and planning for an engaging interpretation board, all of which the volunteers are very excited about. We look forward to updating you on how the project progresses and seeing the beautiful array of plants in spring.
The Gardens Trust is delighted to be able to offer this grant again in 2023. Find out more on our Community Grant page.
Photo credit: A volunteer talks to visitors in the Bradgate Park kitchen garden
© Bradgate Park Gardening Group
