A new and interesting challenge is taking place at Upton Castle Gardens - the delightful gardens that are set amongst thickly wooded slopes overlooking the Milford Haven waterway in a tranquil, little-known corner of the Pembrokeshire National Park. The Park Authority decided at the end of last season that it could no longer support the gardens to the extent it had done over the past 30 years. It was a great shock, but over the winter months a tremendous amount of hard work has been undertaken to ensure that the gardens remain open to the public for the foreseeable future. A new type of management has been formed and a charitable trust has been set up to carry on the good work. The charitable trust has a strong board of trustees consisting of the owners, Canon and Mrs. Skelton (her father, Stanley Neale was the creator of the gardens in the 1920s and 30s), Thomas Lloyd (chairman), the well-known author and broadcaster, Duncan Hilling, the former head gardener at Picton Castle, who will provide botanical expertise, Penny Brickle, who was formerly a member of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Pembroke Dock, and Julian Jones, a retired teacher, who will help with the proposed establishment of an education service. These trustees have been appointed by the Friends of Upton Castle Gardens. They are a very loyal band of volunteers who have been in place since 1998 offering a valued back-up for the management of the gardens. Upton Castle Gardens open to the public on Monday, March 21 - it has been traditional for many years to open at the start of Holy Week. The gardens will be open daily, except Saturday, until the end of October, from 10 am until 5 pm. The entrance charges are £2.50 for adults, £1.25 for children, £6 for families. Group charges are by arrangement. The car parking is free and there are toilets in the car park area. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. For further information, ring Carew Castle on 01646 651782
