Much-loved Lancaster hidden gem revitalised thanks to community efforts

The revival project at The Tasting Garden project was made possible thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of the Friends of Storey Gardens and generous support from local and national funders. The overgrown and narrowed paths, which mirror tree branches, had lost the original design created in 1988 by artist Mark Dion, but have now been widened and resurfaced. And, a redesigned ramp now makes the garden more accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

The original bronze sculptures depicting the rare fruit trees in the garden were stolen in 2008, but now horticulture is once again being blended with art, with the sculptures being remade in stone by local sculptor Alan Ward. In total the group, which raised £37,200 for the works,  is aiming to have 21 stone pillars peppering the paths and paying homage to the heritage varieties of fruit trees, such as apple, plum, pear, cherry, which provide the community with an opportunity to taste a variety of fruits, which are no longer commonly available in the supermarket.

Lancaster City Council supported the Friends group, from project planning and liaising with contractors to providing engineering designs and ensuring safe access during the works. Conservation, planning and tree officers also contributed expertise before the project began. Councillor Paul Hart, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “The Storey Gardens is one of Lancaster’s hidden gems, steeped in history and cherished by generations.

“This project underlines the value of collaboration between volunteers, funders and the council in preserving Lancaster’s green spaces, which are vital for community wellbeing and biodiversity.

“By restoring the gardens, we ensure they remain accessible and inviting and also an experience to try fruit varieties long since gone elsewhere for generations to come.”

Originally part of the Storey Institute grounds, the gardens have long provided a tranquil and unique escape in the heart of the city and to grow food - from private gardens to wartime vegetable plots. Funding was thanks to the Lancashire Environmental Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund and the Finnis Scott Foundation. Lucas Introna, chair of the trustees of the Friends of Storey Gardens, said: “We are delighted to have achieved another milestone in our vision to recreate The Tasting Garden for the public to enjoy. Many thanks to our funders and to all the council staff that made this possible."