New Arrivals Above and Below Ground at Kenilworth Castle!

As Kenilworth Castle’s new Elizabethan garden continues to progress, visitors will notice an imposing new arrival above ground – but may miss a new feature underground that is fundamental to the flourishing plantlife!

Cranes have been brought into the site to assist with the installation of the fantastic aviary that sits within the curtain wall, allowing its future feathered inhabitants a fine view across the formal pathways.  With its installation expected to take around six weeks, the completed aviary is 30 feet long by 14 feet wide, and will stand an imposing 20 feet high.  Carvings will reflect the bejewelled nature of the original aviary, thought to have been constructed by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, for Elizabeth I’s visit in 1575.

For the moment, the aviary is surrounded by scaffolding whilst the installation is carried out, but it is hoped that it will be completed by the August bank holiday weekend.  However, it is likely to be spring 2009 before the aviary’s new resident birds move into their new home.

Meanwhile, below the surface of the beautifully structured gardens, another recent installation is already hard at work – a lorry-load of compost, donated by local company, TJ Composting, based in Sherbourne, Warwick!  After attending a networking event at the Castle in 2007 to mark the start of work on the Elizabethan garden, director Petra Johnston offered the gardens team a full lorry load of compost to ensure that the planting would get off to a good start.

“It is absolutely fantastic to see local companies and individuals supporting this project, which is going to change Kenilworth Castle’s visitor experience for decades to come,” says Pat Driver, English Heritage’s Head of Development.  “We are more used to receiving donations and  bequests of money to help with our projects, but this compost has a value of around £1000, so is a substantial – and very welcome – contribution to the Elizabethan garden, albeit one that few visitors will ever notice!”

Tours of the Elizabethan garden will continue every Friday throughout the summer months.  For more details, or to book a place, please contact Kenilworth Castle on 01926 852078 and on the Kenilworth Castle property page.