THREE people have responded to an appeal for volunteers to join the team at Belcombe Court gardens in Bradford on Avon.

Head gardener Sue Cranch launched the appeal this month and says she has already had a positive response from three would-be volunteers.

“I advertised in various places and had two people contact me and a third responded to the news article in the Wiltshire Times.

“No qualifications are necessary and we can also offer places to any horticultural students who are free during the summer and who wish to gain experience.

“We are looking for people who are willing to muck in and it’s very social. We have a nice, friendly team here.”

The gardening team at Belcombe Court already employs three full-time staff, including someone who looks after the 45-acres of parkland.

Belcombe Court is a Grade 1 listed Georgian house built in 1734 by John Wood the Elder, the architect who designed and built much of Bath, including the Royal Crescent.

While the house is built in a neo-classical ‘picturesque’ style, the gardens contain a grotto, Rotunda and a ‘ruined’ temple built at the same time as those at Stourhead.

The gardens also house an ornamental pond stocked with Koi carp, box and yew topiary and some fine specimen trees.

Sue says: “It will enable volunteers to spend time in a beautiful place, learn from experienced gardeners, meet new people and have fun.”

For more details, or to volunteer, pleased contact Sue Cranch on 07534 509726, or email sue.belcombe@hotmail.com