Colby Woodland Garden (Welsh: Gardd Goedwig Colby) is a National Trust woodland garden in a secluded valley, approximately ¾ of a mile north of Amroth in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is listed on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.[1]
History edit
The origin of the estate was the 18th century Rhydlangoed farmhouse, which was expanded by the Colby family, Pembrokeshire coal mine owners,[2] to create Colby Lodge in 1803. There were further alterations and changes of ownership until the property was bought by the Kay family in the 1870s. The woodland gardens were mainly created by Colonel and Mrs Crosland (nee Kay) in the early 20th century.[3][4] They are listed at Grade II on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.[1]
Elidyr Mason, niece of Mrs Crosland, inherited the property. The house and walled garden were sold to Pamela and Peter Chance in 1965, with Mason retaining the woodland garden and the rest of the estate.[4] On Mason's death in 1979, her portion of the estate was left to the National Trust.[5] The Chances also transferred ownership of the house and walled garden to the National Trust in 1979, reuniting the two parts of the estate.[6]
Extent edit
The woodland, meadow and walled gardens are approximately 8 acres (3.2 ha) with plants such as azaleas, bluebells, camellias, daffodils, magnolias and rhododendrons, along with wildflowers in the meadow.[5]
Amenities edit
There is a second-hand bookshop, tearoom, gallery and toilets. Varied events take place during the year, including family games. The house, Colby Lodge, is not open for public viewing, but provides serviced accommodation. [7][5] National Trust Holidays have three self-catering properties in the area.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b Cadw. "Colby Lodge (PGW(Dy)29(PEM))". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
- ^ "National Trust: A garden in a coalfield". Retrieved 18 June 2020.
- ^ "British Listed Buildings: Colby Lodge". Retrieved 18 June 2020.
- ^ a b Cadw. "Colby Lodge (Grade II) (6042)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
- ^ a b c "National Trust - Colby Woodland Garden". Retrieved 18 June 2020.
- ^ "Colby's key figures". National Trust. Retrieved 2021-01-08.
- ^ "Visit Pembrokeshire: Colby Lodge". Retrieved 18 June 2020.