With the temperature getting a bit more seasonal, but with plenty of sunshine still lighting up the footpaths, then now is the time to think about dusting of the waterproof jacket and polishing those walking boots.
The National Trust have just published a new book for the leisure walker, Great British Walks, which features some of the choicest landscape and countryside walks in the UK.
Buy this book on-line here…
If the wandering bug has started to bite, you can view the details of this new title and purchase a copy on-line from the National Trust Bookshop. (…would make a great Christmas present).
Don’t forget to join William the Tree Transplanter on Sunday 12th October 2014 at Elvaston Castle Country Park.
This is a great opportunity to stroll throughout the grounds of Elvaston Castle and enjoy the fruits of William Barron‘s efforts and to discover ‘The British Winter Garden’ he created for the 4th Earl of Harrington.
“William Barron’s work at Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire, the seat of the Earls of Harrington, became famous when the gardens were opened to the public during the 1850s. Working with his employers, Barron utilised a variety of landscape gardening techniques including the provision of topiary, rockwork, a lake and hundreds of trees, many of which were transplanted great distances, to transform the grounds into a private chivalric fantasy realm.
Subsequently, with the support of the Stanhopes, Barron utilised this knowledge and experience to develop careers as nurseryman, tree transplanter, and landscape gardener receiving multiple private and public commissions including some for major urban parks such as Peel Park, Macclesfield (1854)”.
Abstract from William Barron (1805 – 1891) & Nineteenth Century British Arboriculture: Evergreens in Victorian Industrialising Society – Paul Elliott et al, The Journal of the Garden History Society, 2007
Did you know that there will be an international celebration of Robin Hood in Nottinghamshire this month?
October 25th 2014 has been designated the day for the main event. There will be plenty to celebrate in Nottingham of course, with businesses offering Robin Hood food, retail promotions and the landscape of the city will be awash with Sherwood Green, we have no doubt.
If you can’t get to Sherwood Forest, never fear. Why not don your green garb and visit Elvaston Country Park. There the landscape is full of trees and grassland, echoing the wild nature of the English forest.
While you cavort with the children in the treescape, get aunties, uncles and grandparents to visit the listed formal gardens for a smoother, quieter experience.
Whatever your taste in food or drink, why not bring along a Friar Tuck picnic basket to Elvaston Castle, you can be assured of a pleasant time in the Castle setting?
Below we have listed some links to other interesting web sites and articles on International Robin Hood Day.
Make yours an Elvaston Day any day, it’s always great!
The 2nd of October is National Poetry Day. Why not get your Elvaston Castle thinking cap on and write a poem about the house and grounds.
Visit the estate gardens to get some inspiration.
Better still send us a photograph to accompany your creativity and we’ll publish the results on a new Elvaston Castle Poetry Page!
Email entries to poetryday@everything elvastoncastle.com
Subjects you can write about? Short or long – the trees, the gardens, the buildings, the history of the village, wildlife you see or just a memory of visit you once made to the great house in the trees.
You get poetic and we’ll publish the results. (Don’t worry, there’s no closing date for us, send an entry any time the inspiration takes you…)
Take a gentle stroll in the grounds of Elvaston and find out about its many exotic trees. Take a look into Elvaston’s past at a time when it had over 80 gardeners!
You will be amazed by stories of William Barron’s tree-transplanter and how he created a ‘winter garden’ for the fourth Earl of Harrington and his Countess on a floodplain for the River Derwent.
Meet: Elvaston Castle main car park. Length: Two miles.
Equipment: Suitable clothing and footwear.
Cost: Adults: £3.20, Children/Concessions: £1.60, Under fives: Free. Car parking charges apply.
Come if you dare! We have it covered (literally). Rain or shine Halloween is happening here at Elvaston Castle. With ghosts and gargoyles, pumpkins and potions, we promise plenty of spooky crafts, games and activities for all the family. Fancy dress competition judged at 2pm.
Meet: Elvaston Castle cobbled courtyard . Equipment: Dress for the occasion.
Cost: Children £3 entry fee, Adults free if accompanying a child. Parking charges apply.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Information contact: Elvaston Castle, tel: 01629 533870.
(All event news courtesy of Derbyshire County Council)
Read the fuller abstract on-line here…
Email entries to poetryday@everything elvastoncastle.com
