Friends of Wollaton Park are part of a community supporting the Park and the surrounding area. Here are some links to related organisations.
Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden is a 30m x 15m walled enclosure dating back to around 1684, attached to the Stableblock, not to be confused with the Walled Garden.
Brief History of the Botanic Garden (click to expand)
The original purpose of this walled area is uncertain. It may have served as the initial kitchen garden, or alternatively, it could have been used for drying the family’s laundry. Evidence suggests past horticultural use, including the presence of glasshouses and frames likely used for plant and bulb propagation. A row of sheds on the north side dates back to the 17th century and may have served as kennels for Lord Middleton’s hounds.
During the war, Italian prisoners used the area to grow salad crops. Subsequently, it fell into neglect and became overgrown.
In 1980, Nottingham Hardy Plant Society volunteers took stewardship of the site, transforming it into the Botanic Garden that exists today. Check the Hardy Plan Society website for opening times.
Industrial Museum
The Nottingham Industrial Museum in the Courtyard is Volunteer run.
Wollaton Historical and Conservation Society
More Community Links…
Wollaton Hall parkrun
Every Saturday you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate at a 5k course around the park.
For more details see the Wollaton Hall parkrun website.
The run is organised by volunteers so, if running is not your thing, you could get involved with one of the many simple tasks that make each event work.
Check the parkrun news page for occasional cancellations.
Lenton Times
The Lenton Times has some articles on the history of the Park:
Nottingham Open Spaces Forum
We represent our area on the Nottingham Open Spaces Forum and provide a local voice when planning developments, such as cafés and play parks.