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| Left to right John Debbage, Michael Hadji and Lewis Goldspink at work on the Main Bridges Path |
The
gardening team at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South
Walsham in the Norfolk Broads, has embarked on phase two of a 120-metre path renewal
project in the West Garden, thanks to a successful Pound a Plank
fundraising campaign. The aim is to complete the project by early
February.
Phase
one of the scheme was completed in May, but the gardeners needed a
further £7,000 to finish the work. The money has been raised through
Gift Aid donations added to the garden entry charge, Pound a Plank
donations, collection boxes, a second hand book stall, and a grant
from Broadland District Council.
The
finished scheme will feature two passing bays for mobility scooters
and visitors in wheelchairs. The passing bays will also include
benches so visitors can rest and enjoy the sights and sounds of the
garden.
Some
800 planks will cover the length of the main bridges path, with its
six bridges. The planks are being set on top of telegraph poles to
raise the level and protect the path from winter floods. The
candelabra primula beds, running beside the path, are also being
raised to give the plants similar protection and support the annual
regeneration and growth of new plants from seed.
The
project has been designed by Fairhaven Gardener, John Debbage and is
being implemented by John, gardening colleague Michael Hadji and
Easton College student, Lewis Goldspink. Lewis is studying Level 2
Horticulture and is doing his work experience at Fairhaven.
Broadland
District Council's £1800 Community Fund grant is also supporting
access work near the main entrance and on the neighbouring Kingfisher
Path, along with improvements to visitor information in the garden.
Just
over £1300 has been raised through Pound a Plank donations. The fund
will remain open to support future projects in the garden. Donations
of books are very welcome for the second hand book stall, which is in
Fairhaven’s Kingfisher Tearoom.
Louise
Rout, Manager Fairhaven Garden said: “I would like to thank
Broadland District Council for supporting our work in the garden and
everyone who has helped the scheme by donating a Pound a Plank and
money through our gift aid scheme, collection boxes and second hand
book stall. The main bridges path is looking terrific and when it is
completed will greatly improve access for all.”
Fairhaven
Woodland and Water Garden is owned by the Fairhaven Garden Trust,
whose key objectives are to care for the garden so that it can be
enjoyed by this and future generations and to provide access for all.
The
garden is at South Walsham NR13 6DZ, nine miles east of Norwich,
signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, t. 01603 270449
www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.
Fairhaven
is open daily all year (closed Christmas Day). The garden opens from
10am to 4pm during the winter; entry is £6.75 adult, £6.15
concessions, £3.85 child (under 5 free); free entry to tearoom, gift
shop and plant sales.
There
is wheelchair access throughout, including a Sensory Garden and an
accessible boat for trips on the broad from April to October
(additional charge). Visitors requiring special facilities are
advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available.
Dogs
are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.
