An exploration of the lost historic grounds at Worsley New Hall in Salford before their redevelopment into a new RHS Garden
This tree-studded meadow shows just how extensive the new RHS Garden will be, especially as it grows and takes shape. Traces of past uses of the site remain, including a disused military concrete bunker near the site of the former hall and a Scout 'pow wow', built using stones from the hall fountain, in the woodland.
The lake, framed by mature woodland, is just one of the many areas that will be restored to become part of RHS Garden Bridgewater.
Breathing new life into this vast garden is key to the redevelopment, but the historic features and areas such as the icehouse (seen peeking out of the earth), lean-to glasshouses that once sheltered exotic plants, and the formal terraces give a glimpse of the garden's rich heritage.
Echoes of the past are evident in the woodland beside the lake, where a grotto set among large trees displays an architectural feature from a bygone era.
A view of a cottage, named The Bothy, and chimney, which was used to heat the greenhouses. Other parts of the garden, ripe for redevelopment, are the chapel which was constructed by The Scout Association, and the large lake, viewable from a small jetty that projects out into the water.
Gardens were an important feature of Worsley New Hall from the very beginning and this view taken inside the outer walled garden gives a glimpse of the site's enormous potential.
