A CHRONICLE Country estate has been recognised as the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) celebrates its 85th anniversary.
Southill Park has opened its gardens to the public every years since the NGS started, and owners Charles and Jane Whitbread have been presented with a special plaque by the organisation.
George Plumbtre, chief executive of the NGS presented the plaque to the Whitbreads and to gardeners Malcolm Palmer and Peter Battams in a special ceremony.
Judy Stewart, Bedfordshire co-ordinator for the NGS said: “There are gardens all over the country which are opened for the public to enjoy annually.
“Southill Park is one of the few properties which has opened its gardens every year since the NGS started.”
The NGS encourages homeowners to open their gardens to the public and visitors are charged a small fee for admission.
Funds are donated to a variety of different charities including Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care.