Warley Woods is a special place for so many local people; full of childhood memories, happy dog walks, and family picnics.

But, have you ever wondered why trees were planted where they are? What did they hide? What did they draw attention to? Why did it matter to the landowner? How did the landscape you see and enjoy today come to exist?

In 2018/19 The Gardens Trust is commemorating 200 years since the death of Warley Woods' Georgian landscape designer Humphry Repton. He is nationally famous for presenting his ideas for 'theatrical landscapes' to prospective clients in Red Books full of 'before' and 'after' paintings and descriptions. He re-imagined the Warley Estate in 1794. Today, Warley Woods is a People's Park to be proud of.

How to get involved

The Gardens Trust is looking for adult participants, local to Warley Woods, to take part in four half day training sessions with a team of experts, and collectively produce a new leaflet about Repton and Warley Woods. Workshops will be monthly with some group research, visits and a sharing event. Free to take part.

The project starts in late September 2018. To find out more and to express an interest (no-obligation), please contact Suzanne Carter, Project Manager on behalf of The Gardens Trust, by e: [email protected] or t: 07793 075737.

Skills you will gain

• How to 'read' & understand an historic landscape (Sept)
  How to 'research' a landscape using archives & written sources (Oct)
  How to 'interpret' what you find; writing useful & accessible text (Nov)
  How to 'present' your research; presentation skills (Jan)