Bees and Trees in Cresswell

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Funded on
01 Jun 2022

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.

£5,241 Raised of £4,776

56 Backers

109%

Want to help?

We need people to offer skills, time or resources to develop this project. Check what’s needed below, then click ‘Volunteer’ to get involved.

Help with promotion of the crowdfunder. We would welcome antique garden equipment. Garden canes please Donation of plants are very welcome Volunteers really welcome as well

Angela Stewart offered
I have some trees and shrubbery if you can use them

kathleen Devlin offered
Foxgloves, irises, tulip bulbs, hardy geraniums, cotineaster, Siberian irises, crocosmia, violets, feverfew, ladies mantle, large hydrangea, large pieris japonica, raspberry canes, gooseberry bushes, rhubarb, medlar tree, several large, established shrubs, bushes and plants on behalf of various people and community groups. Handcrafted medieval beekeeper outfits.

Caroline Sweeting offered
I can offer practical gardening skills as an RHS qualified horticulturalist on most Sundays. Have been speaking to Steve Lowe but having trouble contacting him via email.

https://cresswellpeletower.org.uk/

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.