Visitors can try their hand at a centuries old skill used to safeguard our heritage as Auckland Castle throws open the gates of its 300 year-old walled garden to mark the start of conservation work.
A series of open days and lectures where the public will be able to watch the craftsmen at work, gain hands-on experience and hear more about the history of the garden and the Auckland Castle Trust’s plans for the two acre site, are to take place over the coming weeks.
They will include the opportunity on 24th October to take part in lime mortar demonstrations and learn more about the traditional building material.
On 9th and 30th October and 11th November, three walk and talk events are planned where people will be able to get up close to the preservation efforts and chat to the heritage contractors working on the revival of what was a productive kitchen garden feeding the exotic appetites of the Prince Bishops of Durham.
On 4th December a lecture at the castle will look at how archive material is being used to piece together the walled garden’s long history.
The days are a collaboration between Auckland Castle, building surveyor Nev Kirby, Harry Beamish, an historic environment, research and interpretation archaeologist, and Andie Harris of the North of England Civic Trust.
Liz Fisher, Operations Director for the Auckland Castle Trust says, “The days will enable people to find out more about the work going on in the walled garden, what has been discovered about its history and to get involved in the conservation activities.
“Visitors can try their hand at working with lime mortar with Nev and his team, hear from Harry Beamish who has been delving into the garden’s fascinating past, and find out more from Andie about what is being done to keep traditional building skills alive and engage people in careers in the built heritage sector.”
Places on the events must be booked in advance by calling 0191 232 9279 or going online to www.nect.org.uk/hsi-programme/book.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
