Image credit to National Trust Images/James Dobson.
We at FINHUMF were delighted this year to have the opportunity to provide funding for a gardening apprenticeship at the National Trust, to maintain and bring life to such properties as the lovely green getaway of Morden Hall Park.
The National Trust is a well-established organisation with a long history of preservation and care, and it’s wonderful to have their efforts in coordination lead us to an opportunity to support the skills necessary to tend to historic public gardens and parks.
Third spaces, especially green spaces, are a valuable public resource that should not only be available to our communities, but home to them.
Morden Hall Park is also home to historical and agricultural learning opportunities, events, a garden centre, book shop and cafe, to bring even more life to visiting this park; nestled in the city, and free for all.
The National Trust’s garden apprenticeship programme provides hands-on education with dedicated personal mentors to create a memorable experience for those apprentices, and help to close the ‘green skills gap’. A shortage of experienced gardeners to offer hands to help preserve these parks.
Besides the preservation of the natural features, both grassy areas to wander and for children to play, and undisturbed wetland habitat of the River Wandle, Morden Hall’s historic rose garden has lived in the park since 1921, and in their hands will continue to bloom beautifully there each year to come; and this is only one of very many properties The National Trust works to preserve.
Following the vision of NT’s co-founder, Octavia Hill, who campaigned to protect London’s green spaces for urban communities, the National Trust’s new strategy is to restore nature, end unequal access to green space, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Morden Hall Park’s community programme, led by its Community Rangers, creates opportunities for local people aged 11–25 to connect with nature and develop practical conservation experience. Working with schools, colleges, youth groups and community organisations, the Rangers offer volunteering, work experience and nature-based activities that build confidence, knowledge and employability. Their work has improved six local green spaces, supported community-led events and strengthened partnerships with local charities and colleges.
To learn more about Morden Hall Park, or about The National Trust’s many other ongoing efforts in preservation and restoration, have a look at their website, here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
