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Danesbury Fernery

A hidden dell garden full of flowering perennials, gorgeous ferns and a chalk bank brimming with wildflowers, many rare. Gravel paths meander over a rustic bridge with an imaginative 'river' below which then lead you to a Victorian grotto and waterfall made from Pulhamite (artificial rock) built in 1860.

Owner Info

  • Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery
Danesbury Fernery

About Danesbury Fernery

Volunteers have worked in partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council since 2015 restoring the derelict site. It was once a chalk pit but is now a leafy dell with mature oaks and lime trees. Over 50,000 spring time bulbs have been planted and one bank is dedicated to wild flowers found in Hertfordshire, some of which are very rare eg Deptford Pink & Corn Chamomile.
The original Fernery contained beds built to provide different zones, ie acid/alkaline, damp/dry to enable a diversity of ferns and plants for the delectation of Victorian society! It was designed and built in 1859 by Anthony Parsons, Danesbury House’s Head Gardener, and completed in 1860.
No original plans survive but Pulham’s promotional catalogue (for artificial rock) details a grotto, dropping well, a pass and a rustic bridge over a gorge. In 1881 the leading gardening journal of the time ‘Garden Memoranda’, referred to it as ‘the best Fernery to be found in the Home Counties’.

Website:

https://www.danesburyfernery.org.uk

Danesbury Fernery features

Location details

Danesbury Fernery,
North Ride,
Welwyn,
Hertfordshire,
AL6 9RD

Directions to Danesbury Fernery
1½m from J6. Danesbury Fernery is in Danesbury Nature Reserve. Street parking available nearby.

Danesbury Fernery openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Wine. Refreshments in aid of Danesbury Fernery & 10% to NGS.
Admission Adult: £4.00
Child: £0.00
Opening times 17:30-20:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Wine. Refreshments in aid of Danesbury Fernery & 10% to NGS.
Admission Adult: £4.00
Child: £0.00
Opening times 17:30-20:00

Accessibility

  • No information available at this time, please get in touch with the owners for details.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Danesbury Fernery at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Danesbury Fernery. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Danesbury Fernery, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Sorry, Danesbury Fernery does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Danesbury Fernery seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.