Please note our gardens have now re-opened where possible. For full info on gardens that are now open please use Find a Garden.
National Garden Scheme CEO George Plumptre has today (March 18th) issued an updated statement on our response to Coronavirus (Covid-19):
Following the latest government recommendations, and in line with other organisations that offer people gardens to visit, many of our gardens will remain open. However, this will be at the discretion of their owners. We have sent all gardens detailed guidelines that address practicalities such as social distancing, refreshments and visitor facilities.
There are, however, some gardens that have cancelled their openings in the coming weeks so please check the garden listing on our website before setting out.
For as long as possible we will continue to offer gardens for visitors to enjoy at a time when access to such places and to nature is doubly important for all. We will continue to review the situation and respond as and when necessary.
Some of our formal public events have also been cancelled or postponed and we will give ticket holders the option to transfer to a newly arranged date or to request a full refund. We have also retained a restricted staff at head office. If we have to close the office relevant contact details will be made available.
Our first priority is the health and wellbeing of all our garden owners, visitors, volunteers and staff, and we hope you can understand why we have taken these steps.
The National Garden Scheme’s history, its portfolio of exceptional private gardens and its support of nursing, health and community-based charities is full of stories of hope and of people coming together to create peaceful spaces, reduce isolation and to find respite. Although we won’t be able to share all of those stories with you in person over the coming weeks, we’ll continue to share them via our website and social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
We look forward to welcoming you to all of our gardens in normal circumstances soon. In the meantime, do enjoy those gardens which will continue open.
I hope that you and those close to you keep healthy and safe.
George Plumptre
Chief Executive, National Garden Scheme
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If you have any further questions please email [email protected] or call 01483 211535 during office hours.
Thank you for your support of the National Garden Scheme.
