Restoration commenced in earnest in 2003.  Prior to this, the District Council had recognised the qualities of the Garden but realised that it could only be saved for posterity by undertaking major restoration.  Many of the walls were unstable and some were declared dangerous.  There is no doubt that if action had not been taken the Garden would ultimately cease to exist. 

It took considerable effort and commitment by the community at large to raise the necessary funds which exceeded half a million pounds.  The majority of this came from a generous contribution by the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The Linbury Trust, a charitable organisation in the Sainsbury family of charities, provided another significant contribution. 

Of great importance was the money raised locally.  In addition to the District Council, a number of local organisations provided funding including the Town Council, BAA Stansted and many others.  A local group was formed called the Friends of Bridge End Gardens and they assist on a regular basis in ongoing maintenance.  Such help is greatly appreciated.  Not only does it assist the gardeners but also provides a presence on site at other times.  Click here if you want to contact the Friends.

Most of the restoration will have been completed by the end of 2004.  The restoration watchword is authenticity. By this we mean that all proposals must relate to the period mid C19 or early C20.  For example the trees, shrubs and flowers we have planted were nearly all available during the 1840's.  Great care has been taken with selection of materials to repair the walls and it is hoped you will appreciate this when you walk around.

We were fortunate that the Garden inspired the BBC to include it in its Hidden Garden programme that was broadcast on television in January 2004.  The video and DVD is available.  Similarly the accompanying book entitled 'More Hidden Gardens' written by Penny David and published by Cassell Illustrated is available priced £20 from booksellers or the Tourist Information Office.

Phase One of the project was completed in July 2005 we then had a year to improve and bring on the gardens, and in spring of 2007 we have undertaken phase two of the project: The restoration of the Victorian Kitchen Garden, concentrating on the production of fruit with espaliated fruit trees trained against the walls as well as free standing espaliated apple trees of local varieties around the grassed areas.

Two Victorian styled Greenhouses have been returned to the site, one of which will produce soft fruits such as peaches, nectarines and apricots, the second will produce citrus fruits such as orange, lemon and lime. An area of the greenhouses will be given over to the production of annuals which will be displayed in a newly constructed auricular theatre.

The completion date for phase two of the project will be spring 2008.