Adopt a square metre

Like many organisations, Helmsley Walled Garden found itself without any income, during the Covid19 pandemic, when it had to close its gates to visitors during the summer. With high running costs, a handful of employees to sustain and around 50 active garden volunteers to support, the team needed to think on their feet.

Launching their ‘Our Secret Garden’ campaign in May 2022, the team hoped to raise £50k. The fundraiser allowed anyone the opportunity to adopt a square metre of the historic walled garden for a small fee, 100% of which goes towards the charity. Each donor received an e-certificate with their chosen patch of the garden.

Hoping to raise at least £50K, it has launched fundraising campaign ‘Our Secret Garden‘. If the target isn’t met before it is due to reopen again in March 2021, the garden says it will remain closed indefinitely. Our Secret Garden offers anyone the opportunity to adopt a square metre of the historic walled garden for a small fee, 100% of which goes towards the charity. Plots are £25 each and every donor will receive an e-certificate with their chosen patch of the garden.

Helmsley Walled Garden is maintained entirely by volunteers, a number of whom are disadvantaged by conditions ranging from learning difficulties to trauma or social anxiety. The garden is a valuable resource for all. It is loved and enjoyed by many members of our local community and we also welcome other charities to use the garden for free. The team were delighted to raise £50,725 in a short space time, allowing the garden to re-open in March 2021.