Hello! and welcome to the musings of the Parks & Gardens UK Data Manager (PGUK).
A Personal Reflection
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that the Parks and Gardens UK archive will be itself, archived. Due to the cessation of funding, the archive will be retired, and as a result, I too will be stepping away from my role, at the end of January 2025.
When I first joined this wonderful project, I could never have imagined the profound impact it would have on me. The mission to preserve and celebrate the history of parks, gardens, and green spaces across the UK, and the opportunity to contribute to that effort has been a privilege. At Hestercombe where the archive has been located, I have been fortunate enough to work with passionate colleagues, inspiring volunteers, and a community of users who truly care about the places that make our landscapes special.
The Challenges
Sadly, as is the case with many cherished projects, funding constraints have left it a difficult position. Despite best efforts, no viable solution to sustain the archive has not been found. It’s incredibly sad to think of all the work that has gone into building this archive and the people have poured their time and hearts into making it what it is.
The Parks & Gardens UK Volunteers
A special thank you to the dedicated Parks & Gardens UK volunteers, who have worked so hard on the archive. Whether you have been working in the PGUK office or remotely, your efforts and support have been invaluable and I have loved working with everyone of you. You are all amazing!
Thank you
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have supported the archive over the years. To the volunteers who gave their time and expertise, and to the public who used the archive to further understand and appreciate the parks and gardens of the UK.
As I prepare to leave at the end of January, I will reflect on the many moments that have made this journey so special. The challenges have been real, but the rewards - learning, growing, and contributing to something meaningful - are immeasurable.
Download A Farewell to Parks and Gardens UK Blog
If you haven’t read my first Blog post, it's called Roots and Records: Managing Garden Archive Data.
Warmest wishes
Fiona
