24 March 2015
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Newhailes Gardens to be returned to its pre war glory
A historic garden which fell into disuse after World War Two is to be restored as part of a National Trust for Scotland project. ...
Newhailes Gardens to be returned to its pre war glory Images
A historic garden which fell into disuse after World War Two is to be restored as part of a National Trust for Scotland project.
The garden is part of the historic Newhailes estate at Musselburgh near Edinburgh. The project to restore the half-acre garden is an ambitious one, restoring a rare example of a lost, but largely untouched formal garden that is hidden just below the surface. With the good photographic and documentary evidence and archaeological information the Trust has access to, the plan is to accurately reinstate its former design using period plants from the 1820s to 1920s.
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The project was launched last week as National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Kate Mavor and pupils from Stoneyhill Primary relocated snowdrops. The work was overseen by the Trust’s archaeologists who were ensuring that the pattern of paths and flowers beds uncovered during recent research digs were not disturbed by the work.
Ms Mavor said: 'It is wonderful that, as spring finally seems to be arriving, we are here to start work to bring this once beautiful garden back to life. This time next year, it will be a very different spot, as the garden paths and flowers beds will be starting to take shape - adding not only to the visitor’s experience but providing an opportunity to see ‘conservation in action’ and even get involved in some of our efforts.
'Although it may be difficult to imagine today, the designed landscape at Newhailes is of international significance. Today is the first step in helping restore it to its former glory.'
Newhailes property manager Rhiannon Naismith added: 'We’re breathing new life into Newhailes this year – as well as the flower garden, we’re in the midst of restoring our historic glasshouse and doocot, we’re bringing in brand new family-friendly house tours, we’ve got new exhibitions planned and lots of new events too.'
The programme of events starts with the Cadbury Easter Egg Trail which takes place from 3 to 6 April, 11am to 4pm.
For more information, visit the Newhailes website.
(Images copyright National Trust for Scotland)
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The garden is part of the historic Newhailes estate at Musselburgh near Edinburgh. The project to restore the half-acre garden is an ambitious one, restoring a rare example of a lost, but largely untouched formal garden that is hidden just below the surface. With the good photographic and documentary evidence and archaeological information the Trust has access to, the plan is to accurately reinstate its former design using period plants from the 1820s to 1920s.
Ms Mavor said: 'It is wonderful that, as spring finally seems to be arriving, we are here to start work to bring this once beautiful garden back to life. This time next year, it will be a very different spot, as the garden paths and flowers beds will be starting to take shape - adding not only to the visitor’s experience but providing an opportunity to see ‘conservation in action’ and even get involved in some of our efforts.
'Although it may be difficult to imagine today, the designed landscape at Newhailes is of international significance. Today is the first step in helping restore it to its former glory.'
Newhailes property manager Rhiannon Naismith added: 'We’re breathing new life into Newhailes this year – as well as the flower garden, we’re in the midst of restoring our historic glasshouse and doocot, we’re bringing in brand new family-friendly house tours, we’ve got new exhibitions planned and lots of new events too.'
The programme of events starts with the Cadbury Easter Egg Trail which takes place from 3 to 6 April, 11am to 4pm.
For more information, visit the Newhailes website.
(Images copyright National Trust for Scotland)
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