Turton Tower Kitchen Gardens and the volunteers looking after it

Turton Kitchen Gardens is a place shaped by time, teamwork and quiet determination. What now feels calm and carefully planned was once something very different.

The garden had been left for years, slowly disappearing under weeds and neglected trees around the historic building, Turton Tower.

Volunteers hard at work. (Image: NQ)

Judith Rowell, part of the fruit growing team, said: “The kitchen garden was totally overgrown, it was a mess.

“It had been left for decades, with trees growing in it and everything just abandoned.”

The transformation began when volunteers stepped in and took responsibility for turning neglect into possibility.

Crates house vegetables and fruits. (Image: NQ)

Clearing, planting and redesigning happened gradually, with each year adding something new.

Judith added: “Lots of volunteers cleared it and set it up. Gradually, over the years, it’s kept transforming itself.”

One of the most exciting developments has been the fruit area, which continues to evolve.

Plants for sale. (Image: NQ)

It has opened the space, inviting people in rather than keeping it hidden away.

She said: “This is our biggest transformation this year, the fruit cage.

“It’s still a work in progress, but it’s opened it up so everybody can come in and enjoy it.”

A view of the large and well-designed garden. (Image: NQ)

Everything at the gardens is powered by voluntary effort and community fundraising.

No one is paid, and every improvement relies on creativity and commitment.

Hazel Markland, also from the team, said: “People are starting to come in more.

“Everybody’s a volunteer. Nobody’s paid. The money we make is all fundraised, and we do ask for donations as well as selling plants.

Chamomile is among the many flowers. (Image: NQ)

“The idea is for the public to come in and enjoy it. Normally the garden is totally open and free for people to enjoy.”

Since the pandemic, more people have discovered the space and made it part of their routine.

Open days now attract visitors from far beyond the local area.

Judith said: “People come from Liverpool and the Lake District on open days.

Judith planting strawberries. (Image: NQ)

“Locals come any time, but open days are usually visitors.”

Behind the scenes, the garden runs through teamwork and structure.

Different volunteer groups focus on fruit, vegetables, borders and construction. These teams ensure someone is caring for the garden almost every weekday.

The variety within the space continues to grow year by year.

Spring flowers. (Image: NQ)

Hazel said: “There are hundreds of plants. We’re always looking for unusual ones.”

Benches, themed gardens and quiet corners invite visitors to slow down, and for many volunteers, the garden offers something deeper than physical work.

 Judith said: “It’s lovely to come up here. You forget everything else and just enjoy being here.”

Visitors can explore different sections of the garden – The Tudor Garden, The Victorian beds, Japanese Garden, rocky beds and more.

Turton Kitchen Gardens is not just a place to visit, but a shared achievement still unfolding.