THE Friends of The Bowes Museum want to recruit a platoon of volunteers to take up spades and rakes in a war against invading weeds and litter.
Parts of the museum’s grounds, which are a favourite for dog walkers and people who want to enjoy quiet and tranquillity, have become overrun with nettles, brambles, ivy and bindweed, while vandals have left other parts strewn with empty cans and bottles.
Friends committee member Gillian Pryce-Taylor said: “You don’t have to be a gardener to notice couch-grass and ground elder have invaded the box hedges. Ivy, brambles and bindweed threaten some trees and groundsel, sow thistle and shepherd’s purse have invaded the gravel paths.
“Various flowers beds would also benefit from weeding and beds of nettles and other invaders require cutting back. The odd fish and chip or pizza box and discarded plastic bottle also need picking up.
“The grounds are home to many superb, established trees such as the magnificent lime avenue. Sadly, some require professional attention.
“A group of volunteers, however, could clean up fallen branches, remove the strangling ivy, prune where appropriate, and rake up the leaf mould and other detritus that threaten to cover various walkways.”
Currently she has recruited about half a dozen people to restore the grounds to their former glory, but she is hoping more will sign up. Because of Covid-19 complications it would be ideal for people to bring their own equipment as sharing tools is not allowed because of fears of cross-contamination.
One of those keen to help is 82-year-old David Siberry, from Cotherstone, who enjoys regular walks in the grounds with his dog Barney. He was particularly struck by vandalism that occurred in the early part of the coronavirus lockdown when a totem pole was pushed over and damaged, and the head of a statue had been smashed off.
That area of the gardens is also a regular gathering point for teens who leave it
strewn with drink bottles and cans.
He said: “They have been neglected. There is all sorts that needs doing.”
Mrs Pryce-Taylor added: “A team of volunteers, working in groups of six or fewer, and appropriately distanced, could, if armed with gloves and basic gardening tools, make a huge difference.
“The Bowes Museum gardens are a great asset. They benefit many in our community and should not be taken for granted.
“They are a beautiful space for children to play, for dogs to be walked, for the young and old to exercise, for friends to meet or simply an island of calm and tranquillity in which to sit. Here’s a chance to give something in return.”
The need for volunteers to help is all the more important at this time because of the financial knock the museum has taken through having to close its doors during the lockdown period.
A spokesperson for the museum said: “In order to keep the museum afloat it has already been necessary to make economies in every possible way.”
Anyone interested in helping out can email Mrs Pryce-Taylor at [email protected].
