Elvaston news
Read the latest news from Elvaston.
Rhododendron clearance on site
Those of you who visit the site regularly will have noticed that work has begun on some of our historic avenues to clear undergrowth this winter. This is predominantly Rhododendron ponticum or wild/common rhododendron.
This is on the advice of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), due to the high risk of Phytopthora − a fungus-like organism capable of causing serious damage or death to a wide range of ornamental and native plants and trees.
Rhododendron ponticum is the principal carrier of a particularly virulent strain of Phytopthora and this shrub is present in large quantities on the park. Clearance is a preventative measure, as the impact on our grade 2* listed gardens, and in particular its historic tree lined avenues should it develop here, would be devastating.
Over the coming years the garden's appearance will gradually change, opening up and revealing more of the original landscape design as laid out by gardeners such as William Barron in the 19th century. Meanwhile, areas undergoing clearance may look unsightly. Your patience and understanding will be greatly appreciated during these times.
If you are interested in finding out more about Phytopthora, follow the web link: Phytophthora Ramorum (opens in a new window)
What a year for the Elvaston Conservation Volunteers!
The work programme at Elvaston has been greatly enhanced this year thanks to the help of the Conservation Volunteers. In fact much of the work couldn't be done without their fantastic help and support.
The Nature Reserve, where much of the work takes place, is regarded by many as the calm, peaceful side of the park that even regular visitors know little about! It is here that Elvaston's Conservation Volunteers help out with a wide range of habitat management projects, enhancing the local environment and benefiting the wildlife of the park.
Are YOU interested in becoming a volunteer?
Early volunteer sessions always start by getting familiar with the substantial 13.5 hectare site and the various habitats within it, including: reed beds, flower meadows, wet woodlands, and its very own lake and islands. Tasks involve learning a wide range of skills such as correct tool use, habitat surveys, habitat management and arboriculture skills.
Our volunteer group is a really fun way to meet new people, stay healthy, learn new skills and make a real difference to the park. It is also a great way to build your confidence and gain experience of work within the environmental sector.
Elvaston's volunteer group currently has around 20 members, from various backgrounds and ages. We welcome people with all levels of experience; the only thing we ask for is enthusiasm!
If you would like to come and join us in improving Elvaston for people and wildlife then give James a call at the Countryside Service Rangers' office for further information: 01332 571342.
20 September 2011 - Tremendous Topiary!
Over the coming months you will see the famous topiary around the castle being cut by Elvaston's gardens team.
Most of this topiary is over 170 years old and was designed and planted by William Barron and his team.
The highlights are the Moors Arch (also known as the Crown Bush) that is located up the steps on the south side of the castle and the Italian garden, which is great on an early winters morning when the sun is just rising and there is a slight mist in the air.
Also of interest (although it has slightly grown out of its original shape), is the bird cottage/cage at the end of church walk/avenue.
Photos of these pieces at their best can be found in the guide book that is sold in the Elvaston gift shop.
30 August 2011 - Elvaston's Secret Garden
Elvaston's Secret Garden is hidden away behind the high brick walls of the estate's old walled nurseries.
You may even have had the opportunity to purchase some of the juicy cherries we harvested from our trees earlier in the year.
Over the past two years we have also been developing a heritage allotment within the garden, which now produces some wonderful old varieties of vegetables, using only heritage seed.
This year we have managed to harvest bumper crops of fruit and vegetables (despite the earlier dry weather!), which are now available for sale through our shop in the Castle courtyard.
If you have never tried a yellow tomato − now's your chance - they taste fantastic and are of course locally grown!
Our Secret Garden project also offers opportunities for small groups of adults with learning difficulties to both get their hands dirty and help us to grow our produce for sale (all proceeds are used to buy seeds and equipment for next year).
Related documents
The following documents are in Portable Document Format (PDF). You can download the PDF software for free from the Adobe website (opens in a new window)