New management for the Harris Garden
Friday, 01 October 2010
'The Friends are keen to continue supporting the garden, as they have since 1988, under the new management.'
As part of the re-shaping of the University, responsibility for maintenance of the Harris Garden will transfer from the School of Biological Sciences to the Facilities Management Directorate's Grounds Team on 1 October 2010.
A re-modelling of parts of the garden is planned, to fit with its new role as an amenity for staff, students and visitors. The Grounds Team is working closely with the Friends of the Harris Garden, who will be providing both financial and operational support for the changes. The initial work will involve creating more meadow areas, which will be sown with wild flowers, renovating over-grown borders and planting around 40,000 bulbs, which will flower from April to June.
Secretary to the Friends of the Harris Garden, Ann Derbyshire, said "The Friends are keen to continue supporting the garden, as they have since 1988, under the new management. We have been contributing to the planning of this next phase of the garden which includes some exciting planting plans.
"We always welcome new members and volunteers, so if you are interested in getting involved do get in touch via our website. The Friends are really looking forward to a productive future working with the University Grounds Team." (www.friendsoftheharrisgarden.org.uk)
The School of Biological Sciences will continue to use the garden for some teaching and practical work, but most academic activity will now be focussed on the walled garden.
Heavy ground work is planned to start on 1 October 2010 and, in order to manage site safety, the garden will be closed to the public from 1 October until mid-November 2010. Limited teaching access will continue during this period, as will access by the Friends of the Harris Garden in support of the project.