Walk on the Wild Side at Anglesey Abbey
ON FRIDAY 7 NOVEMBER AT 10.30AM, Anglesey Abbey garden's latest best kept secret will be in the limelight. A new pathway to the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area will be officially opened and all are invited to join the celebrations.
The vision for the Hoe Fen project was conceived by Head Gardener, Richard Todd
while on a three-month sabbatical. His idea was to revitalise a 25 acre area of
overgrown scrub and woodland, to create a wide range of habitat sites for
wildlife. At the heart of the project was the aim to involve all ages and
abilities in its creation.
The project has benefited from links with many groups, business partners, schools and National Trust regional staff and would not have been possible without the assistance received from the community. Many groups, including Cambridge Mencap, Arts And Minds, Volunteers Plus, Romsey Mill, the Richmond Fellowship Employment Service, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Trust and Goldman Sachs interns volunteered to level, c l ea r and b ui ld structures for the creation of the naturalistic walkway. All the features, such as a pond dipping platform, log habitat wall, natural log seats, bridges and a log cabin, have been the result of many hours of hard work.
Richard Todd says of the project 'Gardens like Anglesey Abbey are a resource that should be used and shared by all ages. We at Anglesey Abbey are committed to working with our local community to promote inclusion that will enable as many as possible to experience fulfilling practical tasks, to raise the awareness and importance of our natural surroundings, to increase the level of skills, confidence and knowledge and the promotion of social and interpersonal skills'.
Involving business partners and large groups required a great deal of detailed planning. The result is the addition of an exciting conservation area to Anglesey Abbey's grounds which will provide pleasure for visitors and wildlife alike in the years ahead.
Richard is delighted with the project saying 'It is a fantastic achievement by all concerned to have accomplished so much in such a short space of time. They have created a wonderful opportunity for exploring and encouraging wildlife habitats for the future. All of us at Anglesey Abbey are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the new pathway and Hoe Fen.'
The celebration on 7 November brings together all those involved in the project, three years to the date the first groups said 'yes' to Richard's plan. Guests at the 10.30am official opening will be the first to explore the Hoe Fen walkway with Richard Todd as their guide. After a half hour walk, toasted marshmallows and a cup of coffee will warm fingers and toes at the Hoe Fen Discovery Area. Visitors to Anglesey Abbey on Friday 7 November will also be able to enjoy an hour-long guided walk to Hoe Fen at 2pm and 3pm.
If you would like to attend the opening of the new Hoe Fen Walkway please contact:
Rachel Stock, Interpretation & Marketing Officer tel: 01223 810090 email: rachel.stock@nationaltrust.org.uk
Anglesey Abbey has a fantastic garden for all to enjoy. Avenues give spectacular vistas where the eye is led to one of the many sculptures and diverse planting gives it year round colour and scent. Its wide appeal sees an increase in visitors every year, especially during the winter season. Pathways meandering through the winter garden help lift the winter blues.
Gardens & Lode Mill open 5 November to 31 December, Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm.