Southport’s Botanic Gardens launches appeal to mark 150th anniversary

To mark the 150^th anniversary of Southport’s Botanic Gardens, the Botanic Gardens Community Association is launching a public match-funding appeal.

All the funds raised will be spent on improving and conserving Southport’s Botanic Gardens as part of an ambitious and long-term improvement and conservation scheme for the park.

The Botanic Gardens Community Association is a long-standing voluntary group, which oversees park maintenance and activities. It is working in partnership with Sefton Council on the appeal.

Together, the Community Association and the Council will use the funding to celebrate the Park’s historic importance and develop new attractions in line with the views and wishes of the local community.

These plans are based on the findings of an extensive public consultation carried out in 2023, which have been used to develop the detailed plans.

The new appeal focuses on raising money to deliver key priorities, which include conserving the Park’s deep heritage, enhancing inclusion, access, and participation for users, and restoring and supporting nature recovery and the environment.

David Cobham, Botanic Gardens Community Association (BGCA), said: 

“To say people have been enjoying time in Botanic Gardens for 150 years is really special. There is so much heritage, so much love for this park and we, as volunteers, are dedicated to future-proofing this place for generations to come.

“We are devoted volunteers who are passionate about restoring the park to its potential. We’re fortunate to have regular donations to support our maintenance and small improvements, however, we recognise that larger and long-term funding is what is necessary.

“We’re working on submitting a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for up to £5 million. But to do this we need to find 10% match-funding.

“To put it simply, for every £1 donation we receive, we are aiming to get an additional £9 by submitting to this bid.

“On behalf of BGCA, I wish to thank everyone who supports us, whether that be through volunteering, donating or spreading the word of this appeal.”

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:

“As we celebrate 150 years of Southport’s Botanic Gardens, it feels just the right time to launch a match-funding appeal to protect its future for generations to come.

“Particularly as, thanks to National Lottery Heritage Funding, we can turn every £100 raised into £1000.”

This appeal is a plea for support from generous local businesses, organisations, and individuals who are passionate about making a positive difference to the local community. Any individual or organisation that donates will be playing a vital role in preserving the historic, cultural, and social importance of Botanic Gardens.

The Council has a dedicated webpage where people can find out how to donate and support, and further information on the appeal and plans for the Park: Botanic Gardens in Churchtown

Cllr Doyle continued:

“The generosity of our communities that know and love this park is unwavering.

“I do want to pass on a huge thank you to everyone in the community who has contributed to the local fundraising efforts to date. And share my gratitude in advance to all who can support in some way, whether that is through a donation or by spreading the word of this appeal. It is so appreciated.

“The Council has a long-standing partnership with the Botanic Gardens Community Association, and working with them and all community partners to drive forward long-term improvements for the whole park is of huge importance.

“The match-appeal is in line with our longer-term plans to source a multi-million-pound investment to ensure this historic site can thrive for another 150 years and beyond.”

Over the past few years, short-term improvements have been made to the park, including the repainting of the mural, and the installation of two floating fountains that aerate the water in the lake. These works were delivered thanks to local volunteers and community fundraising from the Make a Change Group and BGCA.

Now, the focus is to deliver long-term sustainable improvements for the Park.

As the Council doesn’t have the capital resources to fund these works itself, opportunities for grant funding are being explored in addition to the match-funding appeal. The most suitable funding streams have been identified, and subsequent bids will be submitted.

The overall funding required is expected to be up to £5 million. And because it is not likely that a single funder would meet the full costs anticipated, a phased approach is being adopted.

Find out more information on the Sefton Council website.

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