Friends of Rufford
Rufford Abbey Country Park has a supporters' group, the Friends of Rufford. We raise funds for improvements, support the park with feedback from the visitor’s eye view, and run social events such as slide shows and talks.
Interested in joining the Friends of Rufford? Membership costs just £10 per year for individuals and £15 for two people at the same address. Includes free admission to a programme of park events and talks through the year.
Contact our Treasurer, Janet Webb by e-mail: janet.webb663@btinternet.com for more details. Or simply pick up an application form from Rufford Visitor Information Point.
Here are some projects that we are currently involved in:
Composter scheme
In 2007 we put in a successful bid to the Lottery's Awards For All scheme. This was to buy a composter machine for the park. It will help the park to to recycle more green waste from landscape maintenance, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. The group presented a cheque for £8,345 to the park in January 2008. for purchase of the new machine.
In Feb 2008 we donated and planted two weeping ash trees to prepare for when the existing weeping ash trees (dating from the 1830's) reach the end of their natural life.
Herb garden project
The Herb Garden at Rufford Abbey Formal gardens was laid out in the 1980s and was in need of renovation. With a grant of £20,000 from the County Council's Building Better Communities scheme we've been able to replant the Herb Garden. We've created some raised beds so that wheelchair users and the visually impaired can enjoy the scent and texture of herbs. The new planting scheme explores the many uses to which our traditional English herbs have been put over centuries - from cooking and remedies to brewing and dyeing. We hope you enjoy our before and after photos of the Herb Garden, which is tended by Nottinghamshire County Council's Brooke Farm County Horticultural and Work Training Team (for further information see www.brooke-farm.co.uk).
Dig in and lend a hand
We need volunteers! Join the Friends Group then come along to one of our work weekends to give us a hand. Come all day or just for a couple of hours. All help is welcome. Tea provided!
Digging out, weeding, planting... There are lots of jobs to be done, especially in the Herb Garden. Please contact our Volunteer Development Worker, Betty Ilett, e-mail: bettyilett@btconnect.com tel: 01623 861169 for more information on the project. For a chat about how you can dig in and give us a hand or Friends Group and other park projects please ring park ranger Steve Koefoed tel: 01623 821335.
