Here are some of the key changes we have been making in Worth Park so far this year, along with what we hope to achieve in 2014.
Formal Gardens
The missing Pulhamite terracotta in the Dutch garden and Italian terrace is now being replaced. The ha-ha has been restored, and the fountain will soon be finished and working again.
We will be appointing a Head Gardener and apprentice in 2014, and planting the formal gardens with new flowers. Next year, the camellia walkway will also be restored with new planting and a new entrance and the missing wooden veranda and roof structure will be replaced and the rockery restored. There will be new interpretation signage, new seating and a tree trail.
Grattons Pond
Overgrown, unsafe and diseased trees have been cleared and a contractor has been appointed to restore the lake and paths. This will include repairing the dam, creating new planting around the edges and clearing overgrown trees from the Pulhamite islands to restore their original Alpine character. Work will start this month and continue until the end of the year.
Next year there will be further improvements including new seating, a tree trail and interpretation signage. The grassland by the pond will be actively managed as a wildflower meadow to improve biodiversity.
Ridley’s Court
We have appointed a contractor to restore the lower floor of Ridley’s Court. Works will begin shortly and be completed early next year. The new facilities will include an interpretation centre, toilets and an office for on-site staff.
Croquet lawns
We have worked with the croquet club to widen participation in this exciting game, with around 200 new players of all ages having a go for the first time.
Discovery trail
Work has started on the design and planning of a new discovery trail for families along the east of the site below the ha-ha. Features will include a turf maze, stepping stones, a Pulhamite rock for climbinq on and a nest for hiding in. The discovery trail will be completed next year.
Community participation
We have appointed a Participation Officer who has been working hard to ensure the community play an active role in developing the park. Projects to date have included on archaeological survey and school visits. Members of the community are invited to an informal coffee meeting at the Tavern on the Green on Monday 23 September at 1O:3Oam to find-out more about our plans for the park and how you con get involved.
For more information
www.crawley.gov.uk/worthpark
or call Edwina Livesey on
01293 438027