The Auckland Project’s gardens and grounds earned two Gold awards in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom Awards, along with a Special Recognition Award from Bishop Auckland in Bloom.
The awards honour communities that improve their environment through gardening, sustainability, and creative landscaping, and form part of the national Britain in Bloom scheme.
Sharon Bridge, senior gardener at The Auckland Project, accepting the awards on behalf of the charity (Image: Supplied)
Judges praised the ongoing restoration and development of the historic grounds, including the 17th-century Walled Garden, Wilderness Garden, Faith Garden, and the new Paradise Garden.
Nigel Bryson, retiring secretary of Bishop Auckland in Bloom, said: “The Auckland Project’s gardens are a real asset to the town.
“The care and creativity shown by the team have transformed the grounds into a space that not only delights visitors but also brings people together through community involvement.
Auckland Palace’s walled garden (Image: Supplied)
“Their work truly reflects the spirit of Bishop Auckland in Bloom, and this recognition is very well deserved.”
Since reopening in 2017, the gardens have consistently achieved top marks despite significant renovations and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Walled Garden has received Silver Gilt twice and Gold three times, while the wider grounds have also secured Gold on three occasions.
Auckland Palace’s walled garden (Image: Supplied)
Andy Nesbitt, head curator of parks, gardens and landscapes at The Auckland Project, said: “The grounds and gardens team work incredibly hard to maintain the beautiful parkland, gardens, and landscapes surrounding Auckland Palace, and it’s wonderful to see their passion and commitment recognised by this special award.”
The site includes 10 acres of landscaped gardens and a 150-acre Deer Park, originally created for the Prince Bishops of Durham and now cared for by The Auckland Project’s team and 19 regular volunteers.
The gardens are also a source of fresh produce used across The Auckland Project’s venues, including El Castillo Spanish tapas restaurant, the Bishop’s Kitchen, and the Park Head Hotel.
Surplus produce is donated to local food banks.
The Auckland Project also offers corporate volunteering opportunities, with businesses such as Nissan, National Highways, Gleeds Newcastle, Durham University, Reeds, Believe Housing, and Costain taking part in outdoor volunteering days throughout the year.
Activities typically include planting, tidying, digging, raking, and general garden maintenance.
As a regeneration charity, The Auckland Project is working to transform Bishop Auckland into a cultural and visitor destination, celebrating its heritage through art, history, and community engagement.
Access to the gardens is included in The Auckland Project’s Bishop’s Key pass, which costs £30 for adults, £13.50 for children, and £45 for families.
The pass offers unlimited visits to exhibitions, seasonal gardens, and family-friendly events.
Auckland Palace and its gardens will close from Monday, November 10, to Friday, November 21, and will reopen for the Christmas season.
The Walled Garden will remain closed until spring 2026.
The Deer Park remains open year-round from dawn until dusk and is free to enter.
Companies interested in arranging Employee Supported Volunteering days can contact Michele Armstrong, head of volunteering at The Auckland Project, by emailing michele.armstrong@aucklandproject.org.
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