AWARD-WINNING GARDENS NOW ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

A well-known attraction in the north of the Island is to benefit from landscape improvements thanks to the Manx Lottery Trust. Milntown Gardens, set inside a 15-acre estate with historic house and café in Ramsey, has proved extremely popular for both locals and visitors alike in the 16 years since it opened to the public.

Now the experience will be improved courtesy of a Trust grant to install hard landscaped paths to the tune of nearly £14,000. By replacing existing path surfaces in the formal garden areas and improving accessibility, it means the facility can be enjoyed by more people all year round.
Earlier this year, the Gardens were awarded Royal Horticultural Society partner status for meeting the highest standards throughout the British Islands.

Adam Quayle, Facilities and Garden Manager, said: ‘As a partner of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, we abide by organic principles and will not use pesticides to control weeds. As a result, that can make the paths slippery and labour intensive and, at certain times of the year, particularly difficult for those with mobility issues.’

Charles Guard, Chairman of the Milntown Trust, added: ‘Milntown is open all year round so the generosity of the Manx Lottery Trust means the surface around the gardens is now smoother and more suitable after heavy rainfall in winter. This project will improve the experience for all visitors to Milntown and, going forward, we hope to hard landscape all the paths throughout the estate.’

The Milntown Trust hosts regular events, weddings, functions and workshops to generate funds for the regeneration of the estate. It also provides work opportunities for the Isle of Man probation and community service and others seeking employment opportunities.

The grounds are used weekly by schools for educational purposes with children and young people involved in ventures such as tree identification, nature walks and planting schemes.

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘Milntown estate is a well-known visitor attraction at the heart of the community and works with many organisations investing in the Island’s unique and diverse offering. They have a very dedicated team of staff and volunteers and we are pleased to help them with this project.’