grappenhall heys walled garden
Introduction to the Garden Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden was created by a
wealthy Warrington banker, Thomas Parr, around 1830 when he built a new house
and estate for his family. The land nearest the house was designated as parkland
to give a suitable setting to the mansion and the outer areas were farm land.
The landscape that existed at that time was incorporated into the estate and
many of the woodlands, ponds and avenues that formed the parkland then still
remain in place today. As a whole these features form a significant record of a
landscape designed in the manner of a gentry country estate. It appears, from
historical records, that the estate was at its height from 1875 – 1899 and this
is considered to be the most significant period for the design and productivity
of the garden. The house was demolished in 1975 but the 4 acre walled garden was
retained as a local amenity. English Partnerships refurbished much of the garden
as part of their development of the area and new housing, working closely with
the Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden Conservation Project charity, the Warrington
Organic and Wildlife Gardening Society and the Woodland Trust. Grappenhall and
Thelwall Parish Council took ownership of the garden in 2005 and, with the help
of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Friends of Grappenhall
Heys Walled Garden, has developed the facility into a peaceful, well maintained
and beautiful garden which is now a popular local visitor attraction and
resource for horticulture, education and enjoyment.
