6:45pm Sunday 28th June 2009
By Ann Janes
Recently I came across some literature for the Hertfordshire Gardens Trust and, as it seemed to be about the things I am interested in, I looked further to find out what it was all about. The Trust was founded in 1991 with the aim of researching and conserving our landscape heritage. Hertfordshire has a rich history of parks and gardens dating back from medieval times right up to the 21st C. During the past 15 years their team of volunteers have researched historic gardens in most parts of the county. The resulting reports are filed at the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS) based at Hertford. This is a specialist centre for the discovery of Hertfordshire’s history from 1060 to the present day. Anyone can have access to their records free of charge.
Of particular interest locally is the restoration work being done at the Bushey Rose Garden, a Grade II registered garden, situated in a Conservation Area. This popular local feature was created by the artist Sir Hubert van Herkomer and designed by Thomas Mawson. Sadly over the years the whole site had deteriorated and suffered at the hands of vandals and the decision was made to restore the gardens. The working team included a landscape historian from the Trust who helped to identify the key features of the original garden and put forward proposals for their restoration, including a summer house and a pergola. With the help of grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund the necessary work is now under way to restore this much-loved garden for everyone to enjoy.
The Trust is now recognised as the only organisation equipped to give the most comprehensive advice on the county’s historic designed landscapes to environmental organisations, local authorities, owners and developers. They work closely with English Heritage and The Garden Historic Society to help preserve what is left of our designed landscape heritage.
If you would like to find out more about the work of the Trust, or even offer to help, they will be pleased to hear from you and can be contacted on hgt.conservation@ashridge.org.uk
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