Bentham Town Council is seeking to take ownership and responsibility for the Rose Garden in Low Bentham through North Yorkshire Council’s community asset transfer process.
The Rose Garden is a valued local green space on Burton Road, providing a peaceful place for residents and visitors to sit, rest and enjoy the natural environment. It contributes to the character of Low Bentham, provides important habitat for wildlife and offers a small but important area of greenery within the village.
Why is the Council seeking the transfer?
The Town Council believes that local ownership will help secure the long-term future of the Rose Garden and ensure that it remains a well-maintained, welcoming space for the community.
In recent years, the garden has developed a more natural character, with areas of grass and wildflowers becoming more prominent. While this provides benefits for biodiversity, the Council recognises the importance of ensuring the garden remains clearly cared for and attractive for residents and visitors.
Taking responsibility for the Rose Garden would allow the Council to provide more local oversight and ensure that future management reflects the needs and wishes of the community.
How would the Rose Garden be managed?
The intention is to retain the Rose Garden as a freely accessible public green space. No change of use is proposed.
Future management would focus on sensitive, wildlife-friendly improvements, including:
- Regular light-touch grounds maintenance to balance appearance with biodiversity;
- Care and upkeep of flower beds, pathways and seating areas;
- Enhancement of wildflower and pollinator-friendly planting;
- Retention and maintenance of existing benches and resting areas;
- Support for community involvement, including seasonal displays and commemorative planting.
The aim is to protect the garden’s natural character while ensuring it remains a safe, attractive and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
Benefits for the community
The Rose Garden provides benefits for a wide range of people, including:
- Local residents, particularly those living nearby;
- Older residents and those who benefit from accessible resting places;
- Families and visitors using the village;
- Walkers and pedestrians passing through Low Bentham;
- Wildlife and biodiversity within the village environment.
The garden provides a peaceful space for rest and reflection, supports wellbeing through access to nature and contributes to the appearance and character of the local area.
Bentham Town Council’s experience
Bentham Town Council already manages a range of community assets, including public open spaces, play areas and community facilities.
The Council has experience delivering local improvement projects, managing public spaces and working with community groups to enhance the town. Existing arrangements for inspections, maintenance, financial management and risk assessment would be applied to the Rose Garden.
The Council’s Open Spaces Committee would oversee the management of the site, supported by Council staff and contractors where required.
Community involvement
The future of the Rose Garden has been discussed through open public meetings of Bentham Town Council. Councillors have considered the importance of protecting this valued green space and ensuring it remains available for future generations.
The Council welcomes feedback from residents as the asset transfer process progresses.
Contact us
If you have any comments or questions about the proposed transfer of the Rose Garden, please contact:
Claire Burrow
Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
Bentham Town Council
Bentham Town Hall
Station Road
Bentham
LA2 7LH
Telephone: 015242 62587
Email: [email protected]