The amazing work being done in Papdale’s Secret Garden by the Orkney Blide Trust is almost ready to be revealed.

Members of the public are welcome to a celebration event  showcasing the team’s hard work  on Thursday 28^th June 2018 at 10 am at the Walled Garden (the Secret Garden), Papdale, Kirkwall.

Orkney Blide Trust has been working to restore the Walled Garden at Papdale, next to the Halls of Residence for the past 8 months. This has been made possible by the positive approach taken by Orkney Islands Council’s Sport and Leisure Service who recognised the gardens were in need of some tender loving care!

The wall around the garden is a listed building built in the 18^th century and for many years the gardens were maintained by the late Mr William Thomson, former Rector at Kirkwall Grammar School. It is rumoured that Sir Walter Scott is responsible for planting the laburnum trees that form tree lined avenues in the garden.

Orkney Blide Trust when first planning this project gave it the name the Secret Garden because of its hidden treasures.

Convener of Orkney Islands Council, Harvey Johnston, said:

“It is fantastic that the Blide Trust and other local organisations and groups continue to work to restore the Secret Garden.The work that has already been done has provided an insight into what it was like in days gone by.I am sure with ongoing work it will again be a wonderful green space for the whole community to enjoy.”

The project was greatly assisted by a number of partner organisations; Connect; The Lifestyle Centre; Papdale Halls of Residence and others.

“We are also grateful to Orkney Islands Council’s Sport and Leisure Service for working with us and giving us access to the garden and for the co-operation of allotment holders.”

All of this was only possible thanks to a grant from Postcode Community Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Orkney Blide Trust “promotes mental well-being in Orkney, through active personalised support with a focus on recovery.”

Telephone: 01856 874874

Text: 07840 198 022 (messages are monitored daily)

Email: admin@blidetrust.org