>November Events / charities / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / National Gardens Scheme / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk / walks / Wildlife January 4, 2022
A successful 2021 for Norfolk National Garden Scheme
As the clocks go back to denote the end of British Summer Time, it is also time to close the garden gates to the public for the last time until next year. During 2021, 69 garden owners supported the Norfolk National Garden Scheme and their charities, by welcoming over 17,000 visitors to their gardens.
Taking into account admission fees, refreshments and plant sales, the garden openings have generated an income of almost £115,000. This is a 6% increase on pre-pandemic 2019, which is an astounding result, considering the restrictions placed on visitor numbers and refreshments.
Norfolk County Organiser, Julia Stafford Allen said, “Without the hard work and generosity of our garden owners and the enthusiasm of visitors, it would not be possible to have achieved such a great result, and we wish to send a huge thank you to them for their tremendous effort and generosity. Our gardens have not only raised funds for the nursing and health charities we support, but they have also been a beautiful space for people to go to in these challenging times.”
In addition to open days, many garden owners also offer their gardens for groups on a by arrangement basis, and will accept visitors for a more personalised visit, at a pre-agreed date. Groups can be a formal society or organisation, or could just be a group of friends or family who wish to visit on a more personal basis. Bookings for ‘by arrangement’ dates are open now for next year. You can book directly with the owner, and can find their details by searching for ‘by arrangement’ gardens in Norfolk at www.ngs.org.uk.
Since its foundation in 1927, The National Garden Scheme has donated over £55 million to its beneficiaries, with current annual donations reaching £3m.
Charities supported by the National Garden Scheme:
Macmillan Cancer Support
Marie Curie
Hospice UK
Queen’s Nursing Institute
Horatios Gardens
MIND
Carers Trust, Perennial, Parkinson’s UK
Treloar’s and KIDS
Bursaries and community projects were also funded
Registered Charity 1112664
