The Auckland Project’s gardens and grounds strike gold with a trio of awards

Sharon Bridge, senior gardener at The Auckland Project, accepting the awards on behalf of the charity.

Auckland Project is celebrating a triple success after its grounds and gardens received top honours in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom Awards.

Auckland Palace’s historic grounds and Walled Garden were awarded Gold in the Special Awards for Tourist and Visitor Attractions and Country Estates category – alongside a Special Recognition Award for the team’s inspiring work with the local community from the Bishop Auckland in Bloom group.

Bishop Auckland in Bloom forms part of the Northumbria in Bloom competition, which itself is part of the national Britain in Bloom initiative. The awards celebrate communities that enhance their local environment through gardening, sustainability, and creativity.

The judges were particularly impressed by recent developments across the Palace grounds, including the fully restored 17th-century Walled Garden, the Wilderness Garden, the Faith Garden, and the recently unveiled Paradise Garden.

Since reopening in 2017, and despite periods of major renovation and the challenges of the Covid pandemic, the Walled Garden has twice been awarded Silver Gilt and three times achieved Gold, while Auckland Palace grounds have also secured Gold on three occasions.

Nigel Bryson, retiring Secretary of Bishop Auckland in Bloom, said: “The Auckland Project’s gardens are a real asset to the town. The care and creativity shown by the team have transformed the grounds into a space that not only delights visitors but also brings people together through community involvement. Their work truly reflects the spirit of Bishop Auckland in Bloom, and this recognition is very well deserved.”

Andy Nesbitt, Head Curator of Parks, Gardens and Landscapes at The Auckland Project, said: “The Grounds and Gardens team work incredibly hard to maintain the beautiful parkland, gardens and landscapes surrounding Auckland Palace, and it’s wonderful to see their passion and commitment recognised by this special award.”

Spanning 10 acres of landscaped gardens and a 150-acre Deer Park, Auckland Palace’s grounds were originally designed for the Prince Bishops of Durham and are now meticulously maintained by The Auckland Project’s dedicated team, which also includes 19 regular garden volunteers.

The gardens play a vital role in the community, with produce grown on site being used across The Auckland Project’s venues – including El Castillo Spanish tapas restaurant, the Bishop’s Kitchen, and the Park Head Hotel – with surplus donated to local food banks.

The Auckland Project also regularly welcomes corporate volunteers for hands-on Employee Supported Volunteering (ESV) days. Businesses including Nissan, National Highways, Gleeds Newcastle, Durham University, Reeds, Believe Housing, and Costain have all participated in outdoor volunteering days, helping with planting, tidying, digging, raking and general gardens maintenance throughout the year. Companies interested in volunteering can contact Michele Armstrong, Head of Volunteering, at michele.armstrong@aucklandproject.org.

As a regeneration charity, The Auckland Project is transforming Bishop Auckland into a vibrant cultural destination, celebrating the town’s rich heritage through art, history, and community engagement.

Access to Auckland Gardens is included with The Auckland Project’s Bishop’s Key, which costs £30 for adults, £13.50 for children, and £45 for families. The pass enables visitors to return again and again, immersing themselves in evocative exhibitions, seasonal gardens, and family-friendly events.

All gardens will close alongside Auckland Palace from Monday 10 November to Friday 21 November, reopening for Christmas at Auckland Palace; the Walled Garden will be closed until spring 2026.

The Deer Park is open year-round from dawn until dusk and is free to enter.

For more information about The Auckland Project, visit About Us | The Auckland Project