AN ELLESMERE estate will be opening 10 acres of private gardens next month as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS).
The Oteley Estate will welcome members of the public on Sunday, May 7 from 11am to 4pm under the scheme which gives visitors access to exceptional private gardens across the UK.
Events like this have raised £67 million for nursing and health charities since 1927 when the NGS began and the Oteley Estate was one of the original gardens on the scheme and it has opened most years since then.
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The Ellesmere estate has been run by the same family since the 1500s and it is now run by Robert, Ian and Clare Mainwaring, who rear cattle, sheep and pigs on the farm and they are looking forward to welcoming visitors.
Clare said: "It’s a wonderful time of year to visit the stunning gardens here.
"There’s so much to explore, including a walled kitchen garden, boathouse, mature trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, a wild woodland walk, and beautiful views across the mere.
"And after all that exploring, you can relax with a coffee in our café."
Some of the money raised at the event will go towards a local church.
An estate spokesperson said: "Since last year’s NGS event, they have opened a café and shop in the stable yard, selling their premium meat and other quality, local products.
"The café and shop are open every Thursday from 10am and 4pm, and will be open during the event.
"Cake sales at the event will raise money for the local church of St Michael and All Angels, which was built by the same family."
This month the estate welcomed walkers into its grounds.
The spokesperson added: "In April, the estate welcomed 600 hungry walkers for the Shropshire Tasty Trail.
"The walk and eat event took in some of the privately owned meres on the estate, with the walkers enjoying a three-course meal along the route which used meat reared on the estate."
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There is free parking on the site and dogs on leads are welcome.
Tickets are £6 for adults and children can get in for free.
You can pre-book tickets at ngs.org.uk or buy tickets at the gate on the day.
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