Dronfield Heritage Trust celebrates £4,418 of National Lottery funding to develop a Wellbeing Garden

Dronfield Heritage Trust, the charity that runs Dronfield Hall Barn, has been awarded a grant of £4,418 by the National Lottery Community Fund to enable the garden volunteers to start work on a new project within the grounds.

The Wellbeing Garden has been designed by the volunteers to provide a tranquil space where visitors can pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature. The grant will cover the cost of materials such as seating and hedging as well as a variety of grasses and perennial planting.

Christine Griffiths, Dronfield Hall Barn Gardens lead volunteer said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the potential in our project. We know that being outdoors and surrounded by trees, plants and wildlife is good for our health, feelings, and general wellbeing. Thanks to National Lottery players we can use the grant to create this environmentally-sensitive space for everyone to enjoy.”

Over the past decade, the gardens at Dronfield Hall Barn have been lovingly transformed from a once-neglected wilderness into a vibrant, welcoming haven that the entire community can enjoy free of charge. This remarkable transformation has been achieved through the tireless dedication of the team of over 30 volunteer gardeners, whose

passion and commitment have breathed new life into the space. Today, the gardens stand as a testament to what can be achieved through teamwork and community spirit.

Louise Third, chair of trustees says: “This grant has been well-earned by our garden volunteers. We welcome over 60,000 each year to the site. So many visitors comment on the fabulous design and creative planting of the gardens which form an integral and memorable part of the overall experience at Dronfield Hall Barn. When it is complete, the Wellbeing Garden will draw many to pause, reflect and enjoy their time with us even more.”

Work on the garden is due to begin in the autumn and will take four to six months to complete. Anyone interested in becoming a garden volunteer should contact admin@dronfieldhallbarn.org.