Situated on the north side of Welwyn Village in the former grounds of Danesbury House, the Danesbury Fernery was designed in 1859 by head gardener Anthony Parsons during the Victorian ‘Fern Craze’.
It was built by the Broxbourne-based rock builder James Pulham II & Sons in an old chalk pit to the east of the house, in what is now one of the pastures of the Danesbury Nature Reserve. Pulhams were tasked with constructing a grotto, a dropping well, a pass and a rustic bridge over a gorge.
An 1881 RHS Journal described it as ‘the best Fernery to be found in the Home Counties’.
Recovered and restored by an army of around 20 hardworking volunteers in partnership with Welwyn & Hatfield Council between 2015-2018, the Fernery was planted during 2018-2019 with an array of flora and fauna that offer year-round interest. Open 24/7, the fernery now provides a tranquil spot to meander around and relax on one of the many benches positioned along the pathways.
I’m very fortunate to have this just a short walk from where I live, along one of my daily dog walks. However, if you'd like to visit, further information and directions can be found on the Danesbury Fernery website: https://danesburyfernery.org.uk/
Information obtained from The Friends of Danesbury Fernery.