Walled Garden at Auckland Castle to open next week

The Auckland Project's Walled Garden at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland will open to the public on May 25 at 10:30am following an extensive re-development just in time for summer.

The project consists of the castle’s Walled Garden, Faith Garden, Broadwalk, Wilderness Garden and a new Victorian-inspired glasshouse, which lies in the upper half of the Walled Garden. 

The Auckland Project Walled Garden CGI images. (Image: THE AUCKLAND PROJECT)

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The man behind the rebirth of the attraction is Pip Morrison, whose previous work includes Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London, which surrounds the commentative statue of Princess Diana.

Pip said: "We've designed a garden that responded to the history of the site as the productive garden of the Bishops of Durham but also created something visually appealing to visitors.   

"The project is designed to be sympathetic to Auckland Castle’s architecture and was a consideration when developing the designs, planting, and textures." 

The Auckland Project Walled Garden CGI images. (Image: THE AUCKLAND PROJECT)

CGI generated images of the development place an emphasis on nature as plants, vegetables, fruits and herbs are set to be grown in the new 23 metre long Greenhouse at the top of the garden.

This links back to the garden's long history - as it was used by Prince Bishops in the county to cultivate vegetables in the 1600s.

Jane Ruffer, co-founder of The Auckland Project which has led the project said: "Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden was important as a functional and productive space, but also showcased the wealth and resources the Prince Bishops had at the time.

"It is part of County Durham’s history, so we’re thrilled to be opening the gardens, restoring them to their original purpose but with a modern design. 

The Auckland Project Walled Garden CGI images. (Image: THE AUCKLAND PROJECT)

"We’ve enjoyed working with Pip on his masterplan and are thankful for how The Auckland Project’s gardening team have helped bring it to life."

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Following a grand re-opening to the public later this month, a series of events entitled Walks & Talks will be taking place every Saturday from May 25 until July 13

Andy Nesbitt, head of parks, gardens & landscapes at The Auckland Project, added: "From a personal perspective, I’m excited to bring our visitors even closer to the valuable work our volunteers and gardeners do.

"By making everything, including the glasshouse, open to visitors, we hope to encourage everyone from novice gardeners to green-fingered experts, providing advice and inspiration in an informal setting."