LANCASHIRE GARDENS TRUST

These historic gardens (grade II) laid out on the very edge of the West Pennine Moors with fine and extensive views were originally created for soap magnate Lord Leverhulme as a spectacular venue for him to relax in and entertain. Situated on the steep hillside below Rivington Pike, the Gardens were designed by landscape architect Thomas Mawson and his son between 1905 and 1922. Following Leverhulme’s death in 1925 they fell into a state of extreme decay and have been cherished locally in their ruinous state for decades since. Now with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund they are undergoing a three-year major programme of work by heritage professionals aided by enthusiastic volunteers to repair, stabilise and consolidate the extraordinary array of eleven listed buildings, structures and landscape features.

Guided tours will be led by Liam Roche, the site manager for Groundwork’s contractors and Elaine Taylor (Lancashire Gardens Trust) who has researched both Rivington and other Mawson gardens in Lancashire.

Ticket price includes coffee and biscuits on arrival (from 10.00) lunch of soup and sandwiches and afternoon tea including traditional Lancashire cakes, kindly provided by the ladies of Rivington Parish Church.

Walks will start and finish at Rivington Church, where parking is available. The terrain at Rivington is challenging, sturdy walking boots are essential, there will be two groups one taking a slightly easier route. This visit is not suitable for those who have difficulty walking.

Tickets and further information from The Gardens Trust website

If you feel you would like to be more active within our friendly group, we would be glad to hear from you. Please contact Elaine Taylor (Vice-Chair) on 01204 496696 or email: emtaylorgardens@gmail.com for more information.

An elected Council of Officers manages the Trust and is developing a range of working groups. At present these include:

Click on these groups to find out more about what they do and how you can help and get involved.

An Education working group is also in the early stages of formation - could you help?


WELCOME to the website of LANCASHIRE GARDENS TRUST *Promoting the enjoyment and conservation of Lancashire’s designed landscapes* CONSERVATION EVENTS MEMBERSHIP RESEARCH PARKS AND GARDENS NOTICE BOARD CONTACT US/LINKS

Welcome The website is currently being redesigned and will be relaunched in the near future. Watch this space! Lancashire Gardens Trust is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation formed in 2007 and covers the present County of Lancashire and parts of Greater Manchester and Merseyside. We are one of a national network of Gardens Trusts affiliated to The Gardens Trust which has over 7000 members. We work to: Raise awareness of Lancashire's wealth of designed landscapes. They are our heritage! Research, record and protect these landscapes Monitor local planning applications. Read our latest newsletter here Various events are planned throughout the year, for further details of all planned events please see the Events Page Our next event is on Saturday 12th May at Rivington Terraced Gardens. This is the Gardens Trust National event. These historic gardens (grade II) laid out on the very edge of the West Pennine Moors with fine and extensive views were originally created for soap magnate Lord Leverhulme as a spectacular venue for him to relax in and entertain. Situated on the steep hillside below Rivington Pike, the Gardens were designed by landscape architect Thomas Mawson and his son between 1905 and 1922. Following Leverhulme’s death in 1925 they fell into a state of extreme decay and have been cherished locally in their ruinous state for decades since. Now with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund they are undergoing a three-year major programme of work by heritage professionals aided by enthusiastic volunteers to repair, stabilise and consolidate the extraordinary array of eleven listed buildings, structures and landscape features. Guided tours will be led by Liam Roche, the site manager for Groundwork’s contractors and Elaine Taylor (Lancashire Gardens Trust) who has researched both Rivington and other Mawson gardens in Lancashire. Ticket price includes coffee and biscuits on arrival (from 10.00) lunch of soup and sandwiches and afternoon tea including traditional Lancashire cakes, kindly provided by the ladies of Rivington Parish Church. Walks will start and finish at Rivington Church, where parking is available. The terrain at Rivington is challenging, sturdy walking boots are essential, there will be two groups one taking a slightly easier route. This visit is not suitable for those who have difficulty walking. Tickets and further information from The Gardens Trust website If you feel you would like to be more active within our friendly group, we would be glad to hear from you. Please contact Elaine Taylor (Vice-Chair) on 01204 496696 or email: emtaylorgardens@gmail.com for more information. MANAGEMENT An elected Council of Officers manages the Trust and is developing a range of working groups. At present these include: Conservation and Planning Events Membership and Publicity Research and Recording Click on these groups to find out more about what they do and how you can help and get involved. An Education working group is also in the early stages of formation - could you help?	JOIN US Click here to view and print a membership application form.

	LATEST NEWS Future Events Saturday May 12th - Rivington Terraced gardens (the Gardens Trust national event) For further details of future events see Events page Conservation and Planning Update Research - New opportunities for volunteers. Read the latest Newsletter Notice Board - Lancashire Gardens Trust vacancies