An appeal has been launched to help  breath new life into underutilised green spaces at Rufford Abbey Country Park – and organisers are urging the local community to get involved.

Through Spritely Sustainable CIC’s partnership with the Save Our Wild Isles Fund, every £1 donated to the Bloom & Nourish 2024 project will be matched by £2.

An official Crowdfunder page has been launched  and Kirsty Edwards, contract manager at Rufford Abbey, said: “Historically, this site was the home to 12 monks who lived on the land and cultivated their own foods and is really a key part of the Rufford Abbey history. We’re proud that this new initiative aligns with our commitment to preserving and enhancing our green spaces and will help to breathe new life into the grounds to pay homage to its rich history.”

Parkwood Leisure’s Rufford Abbey site was originally a Cistercian abbey and the park’s history is rich with traditions of self-sufficiency; Spritely’s community allotment garden pays homage to this legacy, providing modern visitors with a living connection to the past by allowing them to grow produce on the same historic land.”

In the 1850s, a sawmill was constructed on the east side of the existing corn mill, utilising the remaining mill wheel. To honour this industrial history and sustainable engineering, a proposed sensory play zone will incorporate locally-sourced timber and feature a water play area with a water mill installation.

Organisers said this interactive approach would allow children to gain a hands-on understanding of the mechanics and sustainability behind the once industrious sawmill, adding a dynamic and educational element to the site.

To support or get involved, visit https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/spritely-sustainable-cic