AN AMBITIOUS project to recreate the footprint of Evesham’s historic abbey is set to begin and volunteers are needed to help with the very first stage of the restoration.
As the Observer revealed last year, two acres of land in Abbey Gardens will be transformed into public gardens in the shape of the town’s former abbey to show visitors the size and scale of the demolished monastery.
It’s expected to cost £2million in total and a bid is being submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant of £1million.
Now Evesham Abbey Trust, the team behind the project, is set to begin initial exploratory tasks that include tackling the ivy growth on the north wall of the abbey site in Abbey Gardens.
The north wall, which borders the churchyard and Bell Tower side of the abbey site, is currently on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register and is part of the scheduled ancient monument site of the abbey.
After consulting with Historic England, the Abbey Trust team will now be removing much of the ivy and other plant growth that has invaded the structure of the wall.
This is being done in order so a detailed examination can be made of how much damage the growth has inflicted on the wall and the extent of the repairs and restoration that will be needed.
Once cleared Historic England will then provide expert advice, guidance and support on the restoration process.
Chairman of the Evesham Abbey Trust, Barrie Baldelli, said: “After the long process of establishing the Trust and seeking funding support we can now begin the initial stage of restoration and discovery.
“This is a community led project and we want to offer every opportunity we can for local people to be involved wherever possible.”
The Abbey Trust is also appealing for volunteers who would be able to help with the ivy growth clearance which will be taking place over the weekend of Saturday 2 and Sunday, December 3.
Anyone interested should contact Barrie Baldelli on 01386 442910 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
