Barham Park's Walled Garden has been recognised with a prestigious London in Bloom award, achieving a Silver Gilt in the 2025 competition. The accolade highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the park's horticultural beauty.
This positive news was part of an operational and strategic update received by the Barham Park Trust Committee. Beyond the Walled Garden, the update also highlighted the establishment of plants in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Garden, funded by NCIL grants. Essential tree maintenance works were also completed due to storm damage, funded from unrestricted funds.
Looking ahead, the park's horticultural future is guided by a long-term plan based on the 'bronze option' approved in 2024. This strategy includes formal consultation on redevelopment proposals and a vision for 2031. A key aim is to seek Charity Commission approval to broaden the permitted uses of the Trust's buildings to include limited commercial use, which is intended to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Further plans include the development of a potential Phase 2 works program to address building condition priorities and ongoing efforts to resolve drainage issues on the event field. The report identifies drainage on the event field as a persistent concern, with investigations into alternative remedies underway. One potential solution being considered is the use of seaweed-based soil treatment to increase water absorption and slow the release of water following heavy rains.
Further details on the park's management and development can be found in the Barham Park Operational and Strategic Update Report.