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Bees and Trees in Cresswell published their Delivery Report!8 months ago
Delivered 12 April 2023
Impact data and claims within this report are provided by the project creator and have not been independently verified by Spacehive.
We want to re-instate an orchard and host beehives within a forgotten walled garden, whilst providing skill to volunteers and a safe, inspiring space for visitors.
We have a fantastic opportunity to re-nstate an abandoned walled garden that was formerly part of the historic Cresswell Hall estate (which includes Cresswell Pele Tower) and to make this into a community green space where visitors can rest, reflect and participate in gardening and wildlife. Having opened the restored Pele Tower in 2021, our focus has now shifted to the adjacent walled garden where volunteers have removed the debris of decades of neglect to reveal a fantastic space that will become a "secret" garden for locals and visitors to enjoy, complementing the built environment and history of the area. Recreating its former orchard, complete with beehives are priorities from community consultation.
What we'll deliver:
Why it's a great idea:
Restore neglected garden into public greenspace with areas for gatherings and educational space. Increase mindfulness through access to wildlife and plants. Provide space for participation in gardening for those who lack this locally. Provide opportunities for local volunteers to gain new skills. Enhance access to historic and cultural assets. Increase biodiversity and understanding of natural processes esp. pollination.
Steps to get it done:
Cresswell Pele is a nationally important but totally undervalued historic asset that has been rescued from neglect and is now a local asset. One of the few remaining standing Towers along the anglo-scottish border, they were hugely significant during the border troubles in the middle ages. It has now been fully restored (removed from Historic England Buildings at Risk Register - a huge accolade!) and is now open to the public free of charge. The entire site and projects are managed by volunteers.
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Pleased to say we have managed to get all the fruit (and nut) trees into their positions! This has been hampered by VERY changeable weather which swung between snow and sunshine so bright my head acted as a solar panel for a bit. A massive walnut tree has also been added outside the garden but within the woodland, where it will have a most beautiful backdrop of the Pele Tower and the coast. Bees next, our budding apiarist's are being patient, and today is the closing date for tenders for the walled garden work so we should know shortly! Famous last words???? Cheers Steve
It feels like forever but we have just received the trees for the orchard - with additional thanks to the Great Northumberland Forest Team, who have provided additional respurces. So we have medlar, mulberry, quince, greengage, damson, plum, apples, pears and cobnut (with a walnut on its way). They all arrived safely and we have temporarily heeled them in to allow us to place them in their final positions. Part of the delay was because we have been successful in a bit to the Heritage Lottery and this will allow additional work in the garden to upgrade paths and put in other infrastructure and we do not want to have to move these fruit trees so its taken a bit longer than we thought. But WOW!!!! Thanks to a zillion people for helping!!
If anyone wishes to be added to the newsletter list - please email steve.lowe@cresswellpeletower.org.uk The tower and garden are open from 1-4pm on Sunday 23rd and 30th October before a break - not quite the last chance to visit but things are still colourful and buzzing! If you miss the chance, why not become a garden volunteer? Just get in touch.
Our bee training has got off to a flying start thanks to the mentoring from Chris Allen at Alnwick and District Beekeepers Association. We have 14 recruits raring to go, our first bit of theory training, and all kit on order including three (rather than two) hives. These will be flat packs in order to find our way around the hives (no waggle dancing as yet). Meanwhile in the garden, visitors are stunned by the array of blooms. We had so many donations of plants that we had to open up two new beds! In the small veggie plot, we have grown onions, spuds, sage, radish & beetroot from seed and have had a productive year. Leeks are just about ready too but cream of the crop has to be those monster pumpkins. Just in time for Halloween!!
How will the money be spent?Total £4,776
Costs Breakdown
This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.
Overfunding
This project is enabled for overfunding. If the project hits its funding goal before the end of the campaign period, any extra funds raised will be spent (in order of priority) on:
Total £4,776
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We started as a group of residents wanting to save an unloved building, Cresswell Pele Tower, from total ruin. Long forgotten, it had been a victim of vandalism and neglect. Lacking a roof, it was open to the elements and falling down.
This Scheduled Ancient Monument was listed "at-risk" but has now been fully restored and is open to the public for the first time, along with its wooded setting.
Archaeological digs revealed further information including an earlier 11th-century building and a later 18th century Manor House, as well as bronze-age remains, showing a long occupancy of the area.
Managed fully by volunteers, we took out a long-term lease in order to complete the restoration. At the last minute, this was extended to include a derelict walled garden, one of three previously supplying Cresswell Hall with fresh food.
The overall aim is to bring this later but important area into public greenspace, based upon plans agreed with community input. Having a multi-purpose, safe and accessible space available for individuals, groups and families will complement the tower and provide a space where people and wildlife can co-exist.
Our starting place is to recreate the orchard we know from records, was here but to give it a little twist by using some of the trees that would have been commonplace in the period when the tower was in use. Medlar and mulberry, quince & greengages will play host to beehives and actively pollinate the trees and the other plants, including vegetables, that will adorn the rediscovered garden pathways and borders.
A partnership with local beekeepers, will allow us to share skills with anyone who wants to participate in this truly sustainable activity. Production of honey and other resources will contribute to future growth.
The Walled Garden has many aspects for interpretation and learning. It offers a tranquil, safe and colourful space, perfect for combating the pressures of daily life.
We want this to be a place people think of as an extension to their own local space and take a special pride in it.
Project Owner: Cresswell Pele Tower CIO The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
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