THE rejuvenation of an abandoned walled garden at Stroud’s Museum in the Park is one step closer to completion, thanks to a new grant of nearly £30,000 from a local trust.

Funding by the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, from the Landfill Communities Fund provided by Cory Environmental, has already given £282,000 to the Walled Garden Project to bring back to life 2,000 square metres of derelict land, which was formerly the garden of the Stratford Park mansion house, now the museum.

A new pavilion, a modern learning building which opens onto the future garden was completed in February this year.

The latest grant means the overall fundraising target has been reached to build a distinctive entranceway from the main museum to the new building.

Visitors will have access from the current reception, onto a terrace and then to a gentle winding pathway to all areas of the garden. Kevin Ward, museum manager said: “As well as being an exciting development in its own right, the entranceway will lead people to the space and bring the walled garden back to life.”

In another exciting development it has also been revealed that acclaimed local sculptor, Alan Thornhill, has officially donated four more of his life sized pieces to the museum.

He had already donated one, Punch and Judy, in 2007.

Kevin added: “We are also delighted that Alan Thornhill has donated four more of his bronze sculptures.

“These are significant additions to the collection, and I’m delighted to reveal that we are planning to include one of Alan’s works as part of the walled garden project.”

Stroud District Council allocated £80,000 towards the project, and there have also been further pledges and funding from The Friends of the Museum, The Summerfield Charitable Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation and other private trusts and individuals.

Councillor Chris Brine, Chair of the Community Services and Licensing Committee, said: “The museum team, Friends and supporters have worked tirelessly on reaching this target.

“The council is delighted to be supporting this exciting project which will enable the community to use the garden for the first time in its history”.

Entrance to the garden will be open to all and will match the museum’s current opening hours.

Fundraising is continuing in order to deliver other aspects of the garden, such as the orchard and open space area, where much work will be carried out with the help of a dedicated group of volunteers.