A Poets Garden
Location: Hertfordshire
The Ashwell village Trust was set up in 1986 to :- Promote the permanent preservation for the public generally and especially the inhabitants of ashwell of lands and buildings of beauty or historic interest as regards land of ecological or other scientific interest and generally to preserve the character and amenities of the said parish for the public benefit
The Garden in Swan Street was bought with funds raised
locally in 1968 when it was threatened with unsuitable development. It had been created over the preceding decades by Albert Skerman who lived with his wife Alice in adjoining Swan Cottage.
John Betjeman described it as 'the best cottage garden I have ever seen' .
After the deaths of Albert and Alice the garden was vested in the Ashwell Village Trust as a charity. It has been looked after by volunteers ever since with a little professional help.
To celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 the garden underwent a major renovation. This was partly funded by a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative. Hertfordshire Gardens Trust helped with the plans which resulted in disabled access, more seating and improved planting. Many local people donated money, gardening and other skills to create this unique corner of Ashwell.
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