About the project

This web resource is produced by the Parks & Gardens UK project, a partnership between The Association of Gardens Trusts and the University of York. The project began in 2005. It is managed by the charity Parks and Gardens Data Services (PGDS). The development of this resource was made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (2005-2009) and over 22,000 volunteer hours of contributions in-kind.

Historic parks, gardens and open green spaces are an important part of Britain’s heritage. Through the provision of the Parks & Gardens UK web resource, our aim is to encourage discovery, exploration and enjoyment of these special places. We believe that the web resource has already promoted widespread interest in historic parks and gardens, their design, evolution and horticultural content and will continue to do so.

We are proud to have such dedication and support from our active network of volunteers and individual researchers. New information for our database records continues to flow in every week. We have a small professional management team in place to provide training and mentoring for volunteers, oversee uploading, accuracy and presentation of information received, and to ensure smooth day-to-day running of Parks & Gardens UK.

To learn more about the project and PGDS, please click on the links below.

Grants, donations and support

The Directors of PGDS are active in applying for support from charitable trusts and other grant-making bodies as continual funding is required to keep this web resource alive and current. We would like to acknowledge our gratitude to the following for their encouragement and funding support:

English Heritage/NMR

The Finnis Scott Foundation

Marc Fitch Fund 

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales

Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust 

The Tanner Trust

University of York

Gifts from users, regular or one-off, large or small, would certainly help as well. Every little bit counts. All donations received will be put toward the running costs of managing and maintaining this valuable web resource, and will help ensure new records are added on a regular basis.

Within a few weeks we will have a 'Just Giving' facility available. In the meantime, if you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque made out to ‘Parks and Gardens Data Services’ to our office address below.

Further information:

What is Parks and Gardens Data Services?

What Parks & Gardens UK is - an overview of the project

History of the Parks and Gardens UK Project

How to Contact Us