19 November 2018
York

The third annual, national networking forum from the Gardens Trust, attracting delegates from across the heritage and landscape sector, with County Gardens Trusts right at its heart.

Aim: An opportunity for all those with a stake in historic designed landscapes and their conservation to meet and discuss current issues. Speakers will update us on current Gardens Trust campaigns and will include representatives from Historic England, Natural England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Woodland Trust. We will also be treated to case studies from County Gardens Trusts, showcasing their varied research and conservation projects.

Following the success of the GT’s ‘Compiling the Record’ campaign, the Assembly will take the 20th Century and Beyond as its theme, with highlight speaker Kim Wilkie, celebrated designer of ‘Orpheus’ at Boughton House, sharing his impressions of the essence and personal inspirations of British design through the centuries and his hopes for landscape architecture in the coming century.

Discussion will include ideas for sharing historic parks and gardens with a wider audience; the place of research in conservation; and ways to drive our sector’s renewed determination to be a combined force for good.

Background: The Gardens Trust was formed in 2015, from the merger of the Association of Gardens Trusts and the Garden History Society. This fresh conservation organisation is committed to the protection of designed landscapes and this drive is reflected in our campaigns and publications and in our support for the work of our 8000 County Gardens Trust volunteers. Conservation in these times of stretched resources relies on the sharing of skills and information, and one of the Trust’s most vital roles is to facilitate the dissemination of up-to-date research and policy, helping national bodies, local authorities and heritage volunteers to share their knowledge and expertise so that they may more effectively protect the landscapes we love.

This year’s Assembly, in the beautiful, 14th Century Hospitium, part of St. Mary’s Abbey, York, again brings together those working for the protection of historic designed landscapes, whether as staff or volunteers, to discuss key issues demanding our collective attention.

Further details and bookings here