To coincide with International Nurses day on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, West Dean Gardens, near Chichester in West Sussex, are extending an open invitation to NHS nurses and all their NHS colleagues to visit the award-winning gardens for free, once the gardens reopen.

Alexander Barron, Chief Executive, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation commented: “In these extraordinary times, the important role that the staff of the NHS play in our lives has become more evident than ever, and this is our small gesture of thanks. As we know from recent NHS research, the outdoors is key to everyone’s wellbeing, and we hope our beautiful gardens can be a space for NHS staff to escape to and experience some tranquility, whether it be for a stroll around the stunning walled gardens or a walk up to the arboretum.”

The details:

• Free entry will be for NHS staff members plus one, with accompanying children (and dogs on leads) free.
• West Dean Gardens invites NHS staff to come as often as you wish to enjoy the amazing tranquillity and natural beauty of the gardens for six months from the time the gardens reopen. NHS staff will simply need to show NHS ID on entry.
• Date of reopening is still to be decided; please follow us on social media or check our website for further updates.
  
  West Dean Gardens was featured on BBC Gardeners’ World last month where it was called “one of the UK’s greatest gardens”. Until we are able to reopen to visitors, everyone is invited to catch a glimpse of late Spring in the gardens on Instagram and Facebook @westdeangardens. And be inspired with lockdown projects from daily creative demos on the College accounts @westdeancollege.
  
  West Dean College of Arts and Conservation
  www.westdean.ac.uk
  
  West Dean Gardens, Near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 ORX
  www.westdeangardens.org.uk