AN URGENT appeal has been launched by a world famous tourist attraction near Stroud.

Painswick Rococo Garden has launched a Crowdfunding appeal to raise the £60,000 it needs before the end of September.

The charity's lease on the building which houses the visitor facilities and from which it operates ends next month - leaving trustees with the

challenge of relocating to a new area on-site.

Planning permission for a new purpose-built visitor centre was granted in 2019 but the pandemic and funding challenges mean the scheme is no longer viable.

Under the latest scheme, new facilities would replace the current coach house complex with an attractive new welcome area for visitors which would include a café, a seating area with views out to the garden, toilets and a shop.

The garden dates back to the early 1700s and is Britain's only complete surviving example of a rococo garden open to the public.

Staff expect to welcome 45,000 visitors this year from all over the world.

Garden director Dominic Hamilton said: "This urgent Crowdfunder appeal has been launched to enable us to create temporary facilities to operate from.

“It’s an ambitious project but we are excited by this opportunity to provide our visitors with something new.

"Once complete, visitors will have a beautiful space to relax and enjoy this unique environment.

"Our plans are simple and in-keeping with the garden’s setting.

"To make these plans a reality, we urgently need your help at this challenging time.

"£60,000 will enable us to deliver our plans and continue to provide a warm welcome to our wonderful visitors.”

The garden relies on a team of more than 70 volunteers.

"They give their time to preserve the garden’s heritage, protects its habitats and provide a welcoming place for the public to learn about its history and connect with nature, said Mr Hamilton.

"The goal is that we install facilities to keep the garden open to the public.

"Whether you’re a member, or whether you just visit us from time to time to complete a family trail, see an open-air theatre performance or browse our art and sculpture exhibitions, you can help us make sure that the garden is here for many more generations to come.

"We hope that anyone who loves the garden will support this campaign."

Nearly £10,000 has been raised so far.

Visit the Crowdfunder page at bit.ly/3vBYJ88