In July 2022 the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £230,000 towards the restoration of the last remnant of what was once a huge 6-acre kitchen garden that for two centuries provided fruit and vegetables for the Baker-Cresswell family and their estate workers. The walled garden sits alongside the 14th century Pele Tower which has been restored and open to visitors since July 2021. With the help of a dedicated group of local volunteers, the derelict garden has been transformed into a community garden for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

The revamped garden includes fully accessible paths, a greenhouse, a cold frame, a wildlife-friendly pond and an events pavilion. Herbaceous borders have be created together with raised planters for growing herbs and vegetables. Dozens of fruit trees have also been planted to recreate a traditional orchard. The garden is home to a number of bee hives, and a number of our volunteers attended beekeeper training. 

In addition to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we would also like to thank the following organisations and individuals who funded the garden restoration: 

1. Parkdean Resorts who own the land on which the garden is sited
2. CELL Big Local
3. North of Tyne Combined Authority
4. County Councillor Scott Dickinson and
5. Northumberland County Council