The story behind Sunderland's Secret Garden - and volunteers' vision for the future of city's hidden gem

The restoration project at Doxford Park’s Walled Garden is ongoing after their Crowdfund Sunderland campaign, which launched in January 2020, met its financial target in September.

Over the years, the Walled Garden has been used by various groups and schools as a place for activities and enabled people to get involved in helping looks after the garden.

But the area needed a bit of TLC and years of wear had meant old paths were becoming uneven – making it difficult for people with mobility issues to navigate.

So volunteers for Friends of Doxford Park began a Crowdfunding Sunderland campaign with money allocated to improve paths and edging, the creation of a new garden nursery using raised beds, the installation of signage to welcome visitors to the ‘Secret Gardens’ and sensory plants.

The group hope that the renovations will encourage more people to visit the park and in doing so there will be less risk of anti-social behaviour.

Five months ago, volunteers, who have adhered to social distancing regulations, began their work renovating the garden with plant beds and new trees already in place.

Karl Stabler, project leader for the Doxford Walled Garden Crowdfund appeal, said: “Reaching our Crowdfund target has allowed us to begin developing the walled garden to host a wide range of groups, including those with various physical or mental challenges.

“The garden will be more attractive to wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility and enable them to take part in a range of activities from growing fruit and vegetables, to planting propagation, which will allow us to supply the park with new plants and flowers. We will be able to develop our existing partnerships with local community groups and ensure the whole space is socially inclusive.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “The Doxford Walled Garden is just one of many projects we’re happy to be able to support. This project will directly benefit many of our residents, and this is because of the backing the Sunderland community gave the team.”

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