Elford Hall gardens- saved by volunteers and the HLF

The gardens of Elford Hall, near Lichfield in Staffordshire, are to be saved as a result of efforts made by a group of local volunteers who formed the Elford Hall Gardens Management Committee and with the support of a grant of £248,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The project will seek to restore the walled garden and the former head gardener's cottage as well as provide space for a coffee shop, toilets and a classroom. Educational activities will also be developed and linked to local schools for visits.

The Elford Hall Gardens Management Committee is a voluntary community organisation which will work on restoring the site to its former glory, giving local people the chance to get involved in the work and to cultivate allotments there.

Anne Jenkins, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: "The community has come together in support of this project to conserve an historic walled garden that will be brought back to productive use after so many years of neglect. Volunteers will be able to gain new skills and schoolchildren learn about nature, local heritage and the environment."

Please click here to see the full article by Horticulture Week.