A PROJECT which will see apprentices restore the gardens of an historic house in Moreton Morrell is being given a new lease of life.
Moreton Hall, a grade II listed Georgian-style heritage house, is surrounded by extensive gardens and located within the grounds of Moreton Morrell College.
The gardens at Moreton Hall have been left largely untouched since a fire broke out during building maintenance work 15 years ago.
Apprentices started work on a project to restore the Italianate Garden in 2019, but work was postponed by the pandemic less than a year later.
Work has now restarted on the restoration of the Italianate Garden, and will see apprentices from the college demonstrating their learned practical knowledge.
The Italianate Garden consists of an ornamental astrolabe, herbaceous borders, formal hedges, lawns and a central water feature which date back to the 1920s.
It is anticipated that all horticulture apprentices at the college will have a role to play in the project, with more than sixty students being involved each year.
The project will also see other land-based students given the chance to contribute in other areas of the grounds.
The college will be utilising the gardens as a permanent educational resource to give apprentices a hands-on experience in horticulture and provide a space for them to test their skills.
College spokesperson Matt Handy said: “We always aim to make our delivery hands-on and practical, and the Moreton Hall project gives apprentices real experience and is a fantastic resource to utilise.
“The project was just getting started when the pandemic struck, but now we have pressed the play button again.
“This is a very exciting project and we will be sharing updates throughout as we restore the beautiful gardens at Moreton Hall to their former glory.”
