Talk held on Thurs 16 Dec 2016 – Woburn Abbey Estate and Gardens

Many apologies for the delay in publishing details of an excellent talk which was given by Martin Towsey who is the Woburn Abbey Estate Garden Manager, being responsible to the Duke and Duchess of Bedfordshire. Martin took us through his career which actually started with Nottingham City Council Parks and Gardens Department, (back in the halcyon days of municipal parks and gardens), together with training at Brackenhurst College. He told us about the work being carried out to restore gardens and associated structures to the original layouts and designs. These include the Chinese Dairy, Bog Garden, Kitchen Garden, Camelia House, Hornbeam Maze, Rockery & Pavilion and so many more. Martin and his team of gardeners are also responsible for the Woburn parkland, Safari park, Golf course, Hotel grounds and interestingly the parks and gardens which form part of the Bedfordshire Estate in London. Altogether a most interesting talk for all those Society members and visitors present. We hope to have a coach trip to Woburn and all it encompasses on Sunday 4th June 2017. This should be a most rewarding visit.