Column: Lucy Weaver reveals a plan to attract more visitors to a popular public garden
WHEN visiting Brightlingsea, one area newcomers would be forgiven for overlooking is the town’s “secret” garden, Springmead Gardens.
Located on the corner of Ladysmith Avenue and Lower Park Road, Springmead Gardens were bequeathed to the townsfolk in 1972 by resident Captain Arthur Wenlock.
Over the years, the area became neglected and overgrown.
Then, in 2001, the Brightlingsea in Bloom group secured funding through the Countryside Agency Local Heritage Initiative and an East of England Development Grant to completely revamp and restore this beautiful natural space.
Digging out paths to allow visitor access
Since then, the gardens have been maintained by the local trust and a band of green-fingered volunteers.
It enjoys a wealth of visitors all year round and, over the past year’s lockdowns, has proved popular with locals looking for somewhere they could spend their exercise time in the open air.
Since the gradual easing of lockdown started, Springmead Trust has now started to launch a plan to encourage more visitors over the summer in what is anticipated to be the year of the “staycation”.
In the past two months, work has begun on transforming the site of a former storage shed into a raised seating area with a stunning view of the gardens below.
Springmead Gardens, in Brightlingsea
The team of volunteers have dug out paths and steps up to the platform and constructed a terraced pergola, along with metal safety barriers.
Their hope is as well as somewhere guests can sit and enjoy the views, this platform may also be able to offer a performance space for local musicians and artists, so they are currently applying for the necessary licenses to bring this idea to a reality.
As a final touch to the space, over the coming half term, Springmead are inviting families to come and help decorate the concrete platform with all manner of natural images.
They are offering pre-booked slots from June 1 to June 4 for up to three families per session.
A new sign made by craftsman Keith Butcher
Slots can be booked via their Facebook page at or by telephoning 07738 258131.
The trust ask that all participants bring their own brushes and old clothes and children must be fully accompanied by an adult at all times.
They are also putting out a plea for donations of coloured masonry paint to make this possible, so please get in touch on 07855 221310 if you are able to assist in any way.
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