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04
Sept 2020
Ripon's Himalayan Gardens seeks 40 volunteers
The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park near Ripon is recruiting 40 new volunteer rangers.
The site has been growing in size in recent years. The gardens are now set over 45 acres and it is becoming increasingly difficult to look after the space.
To try and combat that, the gardens has launched a Natural Health Service volunteer drive and it's not just for gardeners.
They hope that it will help those who have been made redundant as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more:
- Take a virtual tour of Ripon’s blooming Himalayan gardens
- Ripon shop to close after more than 40 years
Stephen Ward, the new head gardener, used his personal experience of redundancies to shape the initiative. He said:
The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park. They missed out on their peak season. As a result, they are looking at ways they can keep the revenue coming in during the winter months.
Part of the plans include Christmas bundles, heading out to Christmas markets with their products and even taking their converted horse box cafe to events. The gardens will close as usual in November so these could make a big difference.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park near Ripon can find out more on their website. Mr Ward has said he will take people for a site visit and chat with them about their skills.
The garden’s believe they have the north’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias with nearly 20,000 plants
Winner of Yorkshire in Bloom Tourist Attraction Award for 2018 and 2019, and Best Business Award 2019, the park is also home to over 80 Contemporary Sculptures.
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