Borde Hill, a Grade II* listed park and garden near Haywards Heath, has recently received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Reinventing Borde Hill scheme. This project aims to unlock 110 acres of listed landscape and improve access to the site, offering new facilities and educational opportunities for the local community.
One of the key elements of the project is the creation of an all-year-round eco lodge, providing a sustainable community space on the edge of the tranquil Robertsmere Lake. This eco lodge will serve as a hub for various educational and community programs, engaging a new and diverse audience with the natural environment. Additionally, a pedestrian route will be established to encourage accessible and green travel, making it easier for people to visit and explore Borde Hill.
Dinosaur Wood, a new area for outdoor learning and play, will be developed as part of the project. This space will provide opportunities for children and young people of all ages to connect with nature, fostering a closer relationship with the environment. The Grower’s Community Garden will also be created, offering a space for community members to come together and learn about gardening and sustainable practices.
The Reinventing Borde Hill scheme aims to reinvent the garden’s South Park as a thriving destination while honoring its rich botanical history. Plans include providing accessible new facilities in the South Park and at Sugworth Farm, where educational and community programs will be offered. These initiatives will help people learn, play, and reconnect with nature, promoting outdoor learning, discovery, and play for all.
In addition to providing new facilities and educational opportunities, the project will create new employment opportunities for people in the area. Borde Hill Charity will be recruiting a horticultural apprentice, a community growing officer, and park rangers, supporting 26 jobs over one year. The project will also increase volunteering opportunities, engaging with an additional 69 volunteers and expanding its work experience program for secondary schools in the area.
Jay Goddard, managing director of Borde Hill, expressed his gratitude for the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighting the significance of the project in providing access to green space for the local community and safeguarding the botanical collection and natural landscape for future generations. Stuart McLeod, director of London and South England at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasized the importance of landscapes and nature in our culture and heritage, praising Borde Hill for its efforts to open up this historically and horticulturally significant landscape.
Overall, the Reinventing Borde Hill scheme represents a significant step towards enhancing Borde Hill’s offerings and engaging the community with its natural beauty and botanical treasures. Through the creation of new facilities, educational programs, and employment opportunities, Borde Hill is set to become a thriving destination for learning, play, and connection with nature.