Thursday 29 January 2015

Landscapes for Everyone


2015 has started at quite a pace.  First up was the launch of Landscapes for Everyone: Creating a Better Future at a Westminster parliamentary reception  The Association of Gardens Trusts (AGT) is one of a consortium of 27 organisations asking politicians from all parties to recognise the importance of our landscapes. http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/landscapes/item/3812-landscapes-for-everyone-creating-a-better-future

The consortium includes organisations such as Campaign for National Parks http://www.cnp.org.uk/ , National Trust and the John Muir Trust http://www.jmt.org/ . We are all determined that the impact of landscape on our well-being and quality of life shouldn't be ignored.  Nor should it be used as a political tool.



(copyright - Liz Ware)













As Peter Nixon of National Trust pointed out, the future of our landscapes must be above politics.  The challenges they face continue to grow.  Working together is the best way to ensure that our message is heard.

With that in mind, 2015 is the year in which the decision will be made on the merger of the AGT and the Garden History Society (GHS).  Members of both organisations are working hard to produce a robust business plan and a merger agreement.  The final decision will be made at the Conference and AGMs at Newcastle University in July.  Check http://www.agt-ghstogether.org/ for the latest news on the progress the Transitional Committee are making and to register comments.

Capability Brown Festival 2016 celebrations are just a year away.  If you haven't already done so, now is a good time to sign up for regular email updates.  Be prepared to be impressed with the creative ways in which we are invited to engage with Brown's legacy. http://www.capabilitybrown.org/

A cycle link between Brown sites and a short film on YouTube are just two of the many ways in which new audiences can begin to understand the scale of his achievements. http://www.capabilitybrown.org/news/new-ways-looking-brown

Approaching fast is the Capability Brown Tour at Trentham Gardens on 8 February - an opportunity to find out more about the restoration project taking place there.  Anyone keen to experience landscapes through the soles of their feet (should that be all of us?) will want to hear about future plans for Trentham's Barefoot Walk. http://www.capabilitybrown.org/event/capability-brown-landscape-tour

Around the County Gardens Trusts the research into Brown's landscapes continues.  A recently published book of essays (many of which were written by research volunteers) focuses on the botanical work of the 3rd Earl of Bute at Luton Hoo.  John Stuart 3rd Earl of Bute 1713-92: Botanical and Horticultural Interests and Legacy is edited by Charlotte Phillips and Nora Shane.
Email office@lhwg.org.uk for details.

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