Friends of Wortley Hall Gardens

Where is the best kept gardening secret in South Yorkshire? We think it’s at Wortley Hall – just off the A629 Huddersfield Rd. Once the home of the Earls of Wharncliffe, the Hall is surrounded by beautiful and historic gardens. For many years a lone gardener, John Howard, worked to rescue the garden from neglect and the devastation wrought during the war years when the hall was occupied by the army. Today a team of four gardeners managed by Marc Mallender continues the restoration that John began and the gardens are looking splendid and definitely worth a visit. If you call at the reception desk in the hall you can buy an excellent recently published Guide to Wortley Hall Gardens by Catherine Higham (cost £2.50). Refreshments are also available in the Hall.

Development of the Victorian walled gardens is being done by Heeley City Farms who grow organic fruit and vegetables. Some very old and rare pear trees have already been identified and are being brought back into productive vigour.

For further information about the group or any of its events and visits, contact : fowhg@workable.net