Established in 1992, the Staffordshire Gardens & Parks Trust aims to record all valuable designed landscapes within the ‘old’ boundary of Staffordshire. The Trust is a member of the The Gardens Trust the umbrella body for all 30 County Gardens Trusts throughout England. We have regular contact with the National Trust and Historic England.
Our aims
Survey, research & record
The County’s historic gardens, parks and public landscapes.
Provide education
With a programme of lectures,seminars, visits and study days.
Help and advise
On protection, restoration and maintenance of historic landscapes.
Create understanding & co-operation
Between owners, residents & local authorities.
Seek official support
For the conservation and protection of the designed landscape through the planning system.
Improve awareness & appreciation
Of our garden heritage.
The Trust’s aims are to promote the education of the public on matters connected with the arts and sciences of designed landscapes. To preserve, enhance, create and re-create for the education and enjoyment of the public, any designed landscapes, existing now or in the past, in and around the historic County of Staffordshire. For these purposes the Trust’s remit covers not only the present administrative County of Staffordshire (including the City of Stoke on Trent) but also parts of the Black Country.
The Trust is a charitable organisation run by a Council of Management whose membership over the years has comprised a mix of landowners, landscape architects, garden historians, archaeologists, local authority officers and knowledgeable amateurs.
Get Outdoors
With over 150 sites to visit, Staffordshire has many fine examples of gardens, parklands and public parks. That reflect a wide range of styles and the changing fashions of past centuries.
Some gardens are nationally famous and secure in the management of the National Trust. Other owners who are aware of their value and are able to maintain them appropriately. There remain many important historic landscapes which are at risk and vulnerable to modern pressures for change.
The Trust seeks to encourage owners to conserve and manage these landscapes and to educate the people of Staffordshire to appreciate and value their garden heritage. The Trust provides expert advice on planning consultations affecting historic parks and gardens to local authorities.
PUBLICATIONS
The Ferme Ornee – Working with nature (£5.00)
Association of Garden Trusts’ Annual Conference Proceedings – Priorslee Hall, Telford, Shropshire, 4-6th September 1998. Copyright Staffordshire Gardens and Parks Trust – ISBN 0 9536730 0 6.
Staffordshire Walled Kitchen Gardens (£5.00)
Editor, Lois Hall. ISBN 0 9536730 1 4
To purchase either of our books please email enquiries@sgpt.org.uk and we’ll be in touch with you.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact us. We need volunteers to help with:
Surveying Gardens – On site work, recording existing condition.
Research Work – Archival research, help the Research Group develop the Inventory.
Promotion – Preparing/Manning exhibitions.
Education – Organising events and study days. Lectures to societies and school groups.
Social – Help with activities programme. Attend meetings.
Financial – Seek sponsorship and funding.
Publications – Helping write/edit our Newsletter.
Planning – Commenting on planning proposals affecting historic parks.
