Award-winning landscape architect David Stevens visits Fakenham park

Award-winning landscape architect David Stevens has been enlisted to help improve Millenium Park off Queen's Road in the town. 

Mr Stevens visited the park to provide advice on how best to use the space to create a welcoming, inclusive park with something for people of all ages.

Part of this plan will be to create a community orchard, growing fruit species native to the east of England.

Landscape architect, David Stevens (Image: Pauline Stevens)

Mr Stevens said: "It was a great pleasure being asked to advise on the Millennium Park, which is a valuable asset set in the middle of Fakenham.

"Like so many small parks it has been somewhat neglected over the years but has a wonderful potential for regeneration with new trees and other eco-sensitive planting that will encourage wildlife, pollinators and, of course, people.

"A new skate park is planned as well as space for outdoor events.

"Of real interest will be the integration of a new orchard area set within an overall design that will flow through and around the park bringing a real feeling of space, movement and life." 

Millennium Park on Queen's Road in Fakenham (Image: Aaron McMillan)

It is hoped a grant from the government's Rural Economy Prosperity Fund will help pay for the transformation, which will lead to volunteering opportunities through the creation and maintenance of the orchard.

Angela Glynn, town mayor, said: "Readers will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed improvements to Millennium Park as plans are developed as a further public consultation will take place."

Last month, the town council launched a public consultation into a revamp of the park’s skate park facility in the hopes of funding a complete overhaul.

Angela Glynn, the mayor and town council chairman (Image: Archant)

Mr Stevens has won 26 Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show medals, 11 of which have been gold, and three best garden in show awards.