LONGNOR CELEBRATES ITS HIDDEN GARDENS

Anyone driving through the Moorlands village of Longnor would see a typical Peak District village with a cobbled marketplace, wonderful old stone cottages, a pub, a few shops and a church. Little do they know of the feast of garden delights hidden up little alleyways with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

After many months of preparation, these gardens were opened to the public for one Sunday in June and almost 500 people came to admire them, drink tea, enjoy homemade cake, listen to a silver band and enjoy a warm welcome from the people of Longnor.

From wild gardens, landscaped perfection, bijou plots, planted pots and masses of blooms, each space was unique and a credit to the owners. A special feature this year was an amazing temporary art installation, by artist James Brunt, on a lawned area of the village adding to the wealth of talent on display.

Pupils (ages 2-11) from St. Bartholomew’s CE Primary School, Longnor enjoyed playing a part with the ‘Forest School Open Garden’ which showcased the fruit and vegetables that the children had planted and grown during their outdoor learning forest school sessions. This valuable outdoor learning has enabled the children to become even more involved in the community. Some of the children even acted as tour guides on the day and did a wonderful job in showing off all their hard work. They have since received a gardening award from the RHS!

The village bus stop contained an art installation designed by the children with help from two artists who also helped them to write and record a special song all about their village. The song was played to all in attendance at the official opening of the art installation.

Lindsay Brayford, Headteacher of St. Bartholomew’s C.E. Primary (which is part of The Moorlands Primary Federation family of schools), “The Longnor Open event has been a brilliant opportunity for our wonderful school and amazing children to become even more involved in their community.”

Longnor Action Group would like to thank the people of Longnor, the staff and pupils at St Bartholomew’s school and the parishioners at St Bartholomew’s Church for allowing us the use of the building. Special thanks also to Outside Arts for their wonderful and creative contributions to the day. Same time again next year, folks.