© National Trust

July 2006

At the start of our project the inside of the walled garden was so overgrown that the roof of the potting shed was only just visible. With the help of volunteers, our aim is to clear the tangle of weeds and re-discover the garden once more.

© National Trust

September 2006

The weeds, brambles and overgrown shrubs have been cut back by our volunteers and the outline of the garden is beginning to reappear once again. The potting shed is now visible at the back of the garden.

© National Trust

June 2007

Archaeological investigation is well underway, as project volunteers begin to uncover the 1890s path network with the help of the National Trust's regional archaeologist. We find, buried beneath years of soil and plant matter, evidence of all the old pathways, including slate-edging stones and surfacing materials. A team of local dry-stone wallers are also making progress, reconstructing the garden walls where they had collapsed.

© National Trust

September 2007

With walls and potting shed now complete, the garden really starts to take shape. Staff and volunteers are making superb progress with re-laying the 1890s slate-edged paths. New gates are fitted and the garden is now safe for our first visitors to explore.

© National Trust

February 2009

The garden path network is complete, and the historic viewing area has also been reconstructed. The newly cleared and levelled beds will be planted with grass, soft fruit or green manure in the next few months. We are planning for the garden to be further developed in the future as a community garden space.

© National Trust

June 2009

With the final beds under control and greening over nicely, the main phase of the restoration project is complete. Volunteer gardens will continue to make use of the garden as a growing space into the future.