About Leicester and Rutland Gardens Trust

The Leicester and Rutland Gardens Trust (LRGT) was founded in 1997 with the aim of increasing public awareness of the immense value of parks and gardens and other designed landscapes as part of our local and national inheritance.

We are part of a national network of Gardens Trusts and are affiliated to the The Gardens Trust which was formed on 24th July 2015 by the merger of the Association of Gardens Trusts and the Garden History Society.

The LRGT is a Charity (Registered Charity No. 1063957 regulated by the Charity Commission).

A landscape in Leicestershire & Rutland

Where we are

Leicestershire & Rutland are landlocked counties within the East Midlands. They border Nottinghamshire to the north, Lincolnshire to the north-east, Northamptonshire to the south-east, Warwickshire to the south-west, Staffordshire to the west, and Derbyshire to the north-west.

Leicestershire has a population of approximately 700,00 people and covers an area of 2,084 km2. Its largest population centre is the city of Leicester, followed by the town of Loughborough. Other large towns include Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Coalville, Hinckley, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray,

Rutland has a population of approximately 40,00 people and covers an area of 381.8 km2. The only towns in Rutland are Oakham, the county town, and Uppingham. At the centre of the county is Rutland Water, a large artificial reservoir that is an important nature reserve serving as an overwintering site for wildfowl and a breeding site for ospreys.

Map of the area whicxh the LRGT covers in Leicestershire & Rutland

What we do

Though passionate about learning more about and preserving our landscape history we are also passionate about enjoying ourselves. All our events offer a chance to meet other members and we pride ourselves that we offer a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

  • In the spring and summer months, organise visits to parks and gardens, some of which are not normally open to the public;
  • In the autumn and winter months, host lectures by speakers who are experts in their field;
  • Organise study days – to learn about the history, design and development of specific gardens and landscapes;
  • Carry out research activities that you can all get involved with;
  • Arrange short breaks, visiting gardens in the UK and overseas;
  • Support school gardening education and projects;
  • Provide local advice to the Gardens Trust Conservation Officer on planning issues;
  • Publish a twice-yearly newsletter.

All of this for a very reasonable subscription!

Some members of the LRGT

How we are managed

The LRGT is an unincorporated association run on behalf of its members by an elected committee:

  • Stephen Barker (Chairman)
  • Steve Horsfield (Treasurer & Membership)
  • Elizabeth Bacon (Events)
  • Sue Blaxland (Research & Secretary)
  • Judith Hibbert (Education)
  • Deborah Martin (Newsletter Editor)

Reporting to the committee are three sub-groups – Research, Education and Events.  The committee and sub-groups are made up of members who have volunteered their time.  No special skills are necessary but there is a range of skills that would be a bonus; some knowledge of surveying, of documentary research, of organising events and of education.  

At the Annual General Meeting, the accounts for the previous year are adopted and the Committee members are elected by members.

Governance

The governance of LRGT is through its Constitution and through a Charitable Trust Deed.


Links that you may find interesting

The following are other websites which may be of interest to you.
You are invited to submit your suggestions for other relevant sites.
Please note that a listing here does not necessarily imply any endorsement by, or association with LRGT.