We refer to this area as the "Secret Garden" because it is a wonderful green area tucked between the back of the Electrolux warehouse and the tall avenue of horse chestnut trees that line the canal. It can be reached from Stratford Road by going down the wooden steps or going down the gentle slope a few yards away. This is on the opposite side of the road from the station and is near the bus stop.
This was the location of the Victorian semi-detached villas usually referred to as the "canal side villas". They were located near The Station and its prestigious refreshment rooms. One villa was occupied by the Station Master. Many residents said that if you lived here "you were pretty top-of-the tree at The Works". There were three pairs of houses but one pair was demolished when the paint shops were expanded and the Station was moved to its present site. The villas all had tree names like "Yew Tree", "Ivy Tree" and "Lime Tree". In the late 60's or early 70's the other Villas were demolished. It seems that Robert Maxwell was involved in this as his Pergammon Press was using ex-Works buildings adjacent. However there is a certain amount of vagueness about the situation and exactly how it arose. The ex-residents were told it was now private land. Nothing happened to the site and if there had been any development plans they obviously were not pursued.
As the site was just left empty and derelict it was soon used as a pleasant short cut through to New Bradwell. It was useful for people that needed to be on the opposite side of the canal to the towpath. It became a useful area to cycle through (access without carrying a bike down the canal steps). There is a very well used track through the middle of this site because of this. It became a favourite area for many people while many others did not know this "pocket of green" existed.
About 2 years ago the idea of a community garden arose as we felt Wolverton needed an area that was a contrast to the recreation grounds; these are not ideal areas for peaceful walks or picnics. This site is ideal because of the heritage connection and potential. We all thought it was a wonderful area and with the high walls behind, it soon acquired the title "The Secret Garden" (here's a clue to the books we were into as children!) The remains of the original boundary fencing between two of The Villas can still be seen. There is a lovely selection of trees including the mature horse chestnuts. In the Spring the primroses, violets and bluebells under the fresh green tree canopy makes this a very special place. A pleasant mossy bank area has great potential for a sitting out area. It is very appealing being able to watch canal boats or trains going past but it still feels peaceful. It also had the added benefit that the gentle slope through the middle of the site could be adapted to provide disabled/pushchair access unlike many other canal areas.
The idea behind the garden was to leave most of the area unspoilt but managed and enhanced where necessary. It was considered that it would be interesting to have a small part of the site reflecting a Victorian Station Master's garden. The foundations of one of the Villas could be marked out to make a feature. There would be information on the history of the site. The location by the canal makes this a wonderful asset and could include a mooring.
It took quite a time to confirm that Railtrack owned the site. We were hoping to negotiate acquiring the site for The Town, and were confident that we could get grant funding for such a project.
There followed a rather turbulent period, including a fire on the adjoining property, with associated issues. Then Railtrack made the generous offer that they would donate this site to The Town as long as it would be used as a Community garden. We were all delighted. We really felt that an organisation like Railtrack giving something back to Wolverton with its long railway history was a strong positive message and a wonderful gesture. We decided that our contribution to "The One World 2000 Wolverton Community Quilt" would be "The Secret Garden" (with painted background and embroidered details).
Once the future of the site was secure for the Town, it was time to plan the garden.
It was decided that Wolverton & Greeenleys Town Council would be the appropriate body to own the site. A Joint Steering Group has been set up to manage the site. This consists of representatives from Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council and Wolverton Society for Arts & Heritage with interested residents.
Funding was secured from the Doorsteps Greens Initiative (a co-venture of the Countryside Agency and The New Opportunities Fund). Further funding has been secured from E.B.M.K. and the Community Fund from the CO-OP.
An extensive period of public consultation followed. We employed local well respected landscape architect/designer Neil Higson, of Landscape Town & Country, to come up with some designs that would incorporate the most popular "wish list" items. Neil's designs captured this so perfectly that very few adjustments had to be made to the design. The final design has been almost universally popular. Neil and his company will continue to carry out the project.
The design includes an area which recreates the "footprints" of one pair of villas as a more formal area. The other pair of villas will be lightly indicated but in a less formal manner as this is in the wilder area. The area will include a cherry orchard, seating area, fishing platforms (suitable for disabled use) and woodland walk. A popular suggestion was the sculpture "Watching the Box" of a couple watching T.V, on the more overgrown villas site as nature takes over behind them! It is expected to incorporate found objects from the site. Projects to encourage wildlife and a more diverse flora and fauna will be included.
Funding was secured from The Local Heritage Initiative (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Countryside Agency and Nationwide Building Society). This has consisted of a research project on the Canalside Villas with Year 7 children from Bushfield School. We were lucky enough to be able to borrow plans of the villas from LNWR Society member Mike Williams. This has helped with the children's research and will help with laying out the site features.
An archaological Dig has taken place on the set of villas at the Stratford Road end of the site. This has been a properly conducted dig using professional Archaologists. The children took part for a full day, every Thursday whilst adults got their chance on Saturday mornings. The children were very excited about the project although we had to explain that there was unlikely to be any treasure down there and that Victorian broken pottery and tiles were the most likely "goodies"! Although the children mainly seemed to enjoy hunting for animal bones! Interpetation boards about the villas are included in this project.
Update December 2004: The Site clearance has now been completed. The Villa "footprints" have been exposed and capped off. The excavated cellar has been retained and now has railings around it. The path system is now complete and provides easy disabled access to the site. The cherry orchard has been planted together with the main villa knot garden. Several hundred woodland bulbs have also been planted. Volunteer work, takes place on the site every Saturday from 10.00am till 1.00 pm. Anyone interested in participating should either E-mail this site or just turn up on a Saturday morning. The Secret Garden Exhibition which included finds from the site and the story of the Villas has been on show - but there will be other opportunities to view this at a variety of locations.
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