Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

The gardening team at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham, has embarked on a 120-metre path renewal project in the West Garden, and is asking visitors to donate a Pound a Plank to support the project and ensure that it can be completed by the end of July.

So far £5,000 has been raised through Gift Aid donations added to the garden entry charge, collection boxes and a second hand book stall, towards the £12,000 scheme on the main bridge path. The scheme will improve access by adding 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, including the candelabra primulas in May and yellow flag iris, marsh marigold and massed wild flowers from June onwards.

Some 800 planks will eventually cover the length of the main bridge 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 and garden apprentice Michael Hadji.

Donations of gardening books are very welcome for the second hand book stall, which is in Fairhaven’s Kingfisher Tearoom.

Louise Rout, Manager Fairhaven Garden said: “John has designed a superb footpath scheme and both he and Michael are making great progress. But we need additional funds to ensure that the path can be completed by the height of the summer season. I would like to thank everyone who has helped the scheme so far, by donating money through our gift aid scheme, collection boxes and second hand book stall.”

 

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

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 from 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), and on Wednesdays until 9pm from May to the end of August. Garden 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 the garden, 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.