Three‘s not a crowd at Wentworth Woodhouse

Restoring the historic Camellia House at Rotherham stately home Wentworth Woodhouse is a lengthy challenge - but it has already led to the creation of three new jobs.

The decaying Grade II*-listed building on Historic England’s Buildings at Risk Register houses some of the oldest camellias in the Western world.

It is being transformed into a stunning tea house and events venue by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, which took ownership of the Grade I listed mansion and gardens in 2017.

The £5m renovation is due to finish later this year with support from a number of grants, including £4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

As a result, several new hospitality jobs will be created, but already the Heritage Fund grant, made possible by the UK’s National Lottery players, has enabled the Trust to employ specialists in outreach, community engagement and education.

They are delivering a two-yearfunded Camellia House Activity Plan which will reach out to people across South Yorkshire, particularly those from lowincome households, disability and ethnic groups.

Community Engagement and

Inclusion Officer Becky Downton, Skills Development and Learning Officer Jen Wall and Assistant Gardener Helen Kelly are onboard and the project will be managed by longstanding Trust employee Keeley Stephenson.

Keeley, of Thorpe Hesley said: “The Camellia House Activity Plan is so important to our aim of making Wentworth Woodhouse a place where all are welcome.”

“Since we opened the gardens in 2020, we have seen the role we can play in supporting people’s health and wellbeing and we want to do more of this, especially by making the gardens more accessible for people with disabilities.”

“The Activity Plan is packed with exciting events and experiences - from artwork people can help to create, a new natural play area in our Forest of Bewilderment, sculpture and activity trails to sensory garden experiences designed for people with sight and hearing issues, autism and dementia and activities which boost mental and physical health.

“Our woodland trails and activity stations will be wheelchair-accessible and we are creating a Changing Places room and toilets next to the Camellia House.”