Morrisons Foundation supports refurbishment of the Roman Herb Garden at Segedunum Roman Fort

Grant to support volunteers in making improvements to the herb garden

Segedunum Roman Fort is happy to announce that it has been awarded a grant by Morrisons Foundation for the refurbishment of its Roman Herb Garden. 

This project will support volunteers in making improvements to the Roman Herb Garden to protect its flora and fauna, improve growing conditions and bio-habitats, and refine the garden’s aesthetics. 

The herb garden will improve learning for visitors and school children about the flora and fauna used during the Roman period for cooking, medicine, and cloth-dyeing – tying into the contents of the Roman Gallery in the museum. 

Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager, said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to be awarded this grant from the Morrisons Foundation. The herb garden has great potential to be a really special area at Segedunum, both as an educational resource and as a place for quiet reflection. Sitting within the wider green spaces of the World Heritage Site, and with views across the river, the revitalised and enhanced garden will greatly add to the experience for the community and visitors.” 

Plans for the area include: 

  • New plants and improved planting – acting as a space to learn about the use of herbs in the past and present, including a sensory aspect using scents and sounds 
  • A notice board – providing the opportunity for easily accessible information about the garden 
  • A raised bed for a small dye garden – used to help visitors and schools learn about the colours available in the past to aid in the dyeing of cloth 
  • A compost bin – ensuring the project’s sustainability. 

Volunteering will be embedded in this project, with volunteers recruited from organisations such as Crisis and Age UK. It will also support those in need through outreach programmes targeting older people, people recovering from addiction or people in mental health crises.    

The project will: 

  • Support participants’ mental health through activities they enjoy and improve their self-worth through supporting their community 
  • Improve the garden and knowledge of gardening for visitors  
  • Inspire a love of flora and fauna in future generations.