The Arboretum & Temple Gardens, Lincoln

An important Heritage Lottery Funded scheme in central Lincoln. The Arboretum, designed by Edward Milner, first opened for public use in 1872.

It had fallen into a state of disrepair and the 22 acre space was comprehensively restored via a £2.5M major programme of works which included restoration of the bandstand and various shelters, restoration of historic statues including the ‘Lion’, renewal of paths, repairs to stone retaining walls, restoration and reinstatement of historic fountains, new cast iron railings and gates, new park furniture and lighting, CCTV installations, improvements to land drainage, extensive planting and arboricultural work.

The Temple Gardens, a separate site to the west, also formed part of the contract. This was a privately owned 19th C green space available to residents via an annual subscription. It now surrounds the Usher Gallery and is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Works included restoration of a Temple folly, a covered shelter, path renewal, new railings and gates, and soft landscaping improvements