Many of you reading this article may be aware that Brunswick Organic Nursery, which is based on Appleton Road Bishopthorpe, runs a social enterprise supporting people with learning difficulty to produce and sell organic fruit and vegetables, plants and crafts as well a wide range of other items. Brunswick also leases the Archbishops Walled Garden (opposite the Palace), which over the last few years we have partially restored. Unfortunately, several times this year the Walled Garden has been subject to either vandalism or break-ins.
Twice it appears that the damage is purely vandalism caused by teenagers causing havoc, which is not only upsetting and frustrating, but also draws upon our limited funds to put right.
However we have also been the target of well-equipped and well-organised gangs. Once the intruders damaged the property by stealing the lead from the roof; they caused thousands of pounds of damage to the pan-tile roof for the sake of few hundred pounds worth of lead. This has now been replaced with a lead-substitute for which we got special permission from the conservation department at City of York Council. The next time thieves stole gardening machinery including lawn mowers and strimmers from a secure container. We have heeded professional advice from our local police and also strengthened our security in the Walled Garden area and the storage buildings. Unfortunately, we were targeted once again on the weekend of Friday 3rd September; the thieves have emptied a secure container full of the new replacement equipment such as mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters etc. The intruders must have had transport to escape with the equipment. Of course now we are no longer able to store this sort of kit at the walled garden which is very aggravating.
These sorts of thefts are not limited to us, we have heard of several stories from around the village. It is hard to bear, partly because it is costly and like any charity we always want to put our money to the best possible use. It also is very saddening and frustrating for us all, including the workers with learning difficulties, when our hard work and commitment to build the project is thwarted in this way.
You can help. Even though we no-longer will be able to store valuable items at the gardens we know it is only a matter of time before some bored teenagers or well organised gang is back, breaking what we have built up so painstakingly. We are asking people to be aware of the vulnerability of the walled gardens and if anyone has any information or does see any thing suspicious to contact us either on 701869 or 707647 (evenings).
The entrance/exit to the Walled Garden is quite secluded but if anyone notices activity (especially in the evenings) please do ring us. We would prefer a few false alarms to missing that vital call that would allow us, or the police, to stop this from happening.
BRUNSWICK ORGANIC NURSERY AND CRAFT WORKSHOP
A growing charity providing work for adults with special needs
Shop opening hours 10am - 5pm (7 days a week)
Email admin@brunswickyork.org.uk
