The 2004 Forum was held at West Dean Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex on 30th October 2004.
The Network’s mission is to help in the conservation of Walled Kitchen Gardens by offering advice and support and by providing a forum in which experience and expertise can be shared.
The focus of the Forum was on research, conservation and restoration – the essential first steps in bringing these gardens back to life. However, ensuring the sustainability of these gardens is equally important and there was a session of case studies from individuals speaking of their own particular experiences and approaches to sustainability.
Expert speakers included:
Susan Campbell (WKGN, walled garden historian and author)
Neil Porteus (Garden Manager, Clumber Park)
Simon Harrison (The Victorian Glasshouse Company)
Jim Buckland (Garden Manager, West Dean Gardens)
After lunch there was a tour of the walled kitchen gardens at West Dean with Jim Buckland. These gardens are a wonderful example of a successful restoration in which high standards of horticulture and an imaginative programme of events and courses attract the public and help to ensure their survival.
The final session was a series of brief case studies from individual owners followed by a general discussion.