A PROJECT to replace the former garden within the walls of Barnard Castle with an orchard and wildflower meadow has been completed.
It was felt by English Heritage that the orchard would be more suited to the 12th century castle than the previous sensory garden.
English Heritage gardeners from from Mount Grace Priory, as well as a dedicated team of volunteers, created the traditional orchard, replete with local fruit varieties, including 13 different types of apple.
These include the green balsam, a North Yorkshire breed from the early 19th century, and the ancient ‘Ashmead’s Kernel’ from the early 1700s.
The orchard includes standard trees so that visitors can wander beneath the boughs along mown paths through a wildflower meadow. It will offer seasonal showings of spring flowers and autumn fruit. The existing space was a former allotment and the remnant fruit trees have been retained. The “leaping fish’s bench” has been retained as a focal point within the new scheme.
Although in its infancy, with many of the trees still needing to reach maturity and the wildflowers yet to bloom, the new garden has been welcomed by people who have been through it.
Dave and Phyl Sneddon visited last week and were impressed with the layout.
Mrs Sneddon said: “I can see the prospects for the future. It is an extra touch for visitors to enjoy as well.”
Robin Copeland, senior landscapes advisor for English Heritage, said: “This orchard will better integrate into its setting, offer strong seasonal interest of spring flowers and autumn fruit and provide opportunities for community engagement and activities. We are thrilled with the results of this volunteer led project and would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication.”
The castle is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
