MP backs bid to save 'nationally important' Ryton Gardens

[dutchman]

A number of parties have shown interest in buying the 22-acre site



A number of parties have shown interest in taking over the 22-acre Ryton Organic Gardens site - but those against the sale are stepping up their opposition.

Members of the Save Ryton Organic Gardens Campaign have delivered a letter to the Garden Organic Trustees asking them not to sell the "nationally important" gardens at the Ryton site, on the outskirts of Coventry .

Campaign member Judy Steele said the gardens have "historic, educational and environmental value and have great meaning for many people, both local and from further afield."

Indeed, Garden Organic has previously confirmed that a number of people have had their ashes spread at the site, and a memorial garden is located there.

The letter has attracted a number of signatures from campaigners and key individuals in the region, including the Member of Parliament for Warwick and Leamington, Matt Western.

But the charity who run the site say dwindling visitor numbers and increased running costs have pushed them to seek to sell up.

In addition to signing the letter, Matt Western told CoventryLive that he believes the closure of the Gardens would be a tragedy.

He said: "The loss of Ryton Gardens would be devastating.

"Ryton Gardens is still one of the few, organically certified gardens in the country with so much history and biodiversity.

"It’s a central point for people to come and experience organic gardening, from vegetable growing to ornamentals.

"It would be a tragedy if it was lost or no longer open to the public."

[dutchman]

Ryton Gardens has been sold - and will be closed to the public

One of the best known green attractions in the area has been sold after years of discussions.

Coventry University will take full ownership of Ryton Organic Gardens immediately.

The move will see the current gardens at the 22-acre site close to the public on Sunday, September 29.

But former owners - charity Garden Organic - will remain on the site as a tenant and will be leasing an area to develop into an organic demonstration and training garden, which will be open to members and the public on open days.

The charity will also continue to run the renowned Heritage Seed Library, which conserves vegetable varieties that are not widely available.

All other tenants are currently in talks with the university in regards to the ongoing management of the site.

When plans to sell the site were first revealed, many members expressed concerns - as the site is home to memorials to loved ones.

It has been confirmed that those with memorials on the site will still be able to visit them via prior appointment with Coventry University.

Garden Organic will also have a dedicated area of remembrance and contemplation within its smaller garden to honour all those who have supported and contributed to the success of the charity.

They will also create and maintain a Book of Remembrance.

Those with a memorial will be individually contacted with details by the charity.

[dutchman]

The city is becoming one giant university campus!

[rebbonk]

Many cities are the same Dutchman. But, the bubble will burst and what then?