Saltburn: Historic ‘at risk’ Valley Gardens now subject to five year management plan

A new five-year management plan has been drawn up for Saltburn’s historic Valley Gardens.

The site, a key element of the seaside town’s Victorian heritage, which is grade two listed, has been on Historic England’s At Risk Register.

A briefing note for members of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s environment and climate scrutiny committee, which was recommended to approve the strategy, said: “The plan has been developed to provide a structured approach to the long-term management, maintenance, conservation, and enhancement of the gardens, ensuring that the site remains accessible, safe, historically significant, and environmentally sustainable for residents and visitors.”

The plan’s objectives include to retain and enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitats; preserve the landscape and features of historic interest; and encourage and support community engagement.

The council’s maintenance of the gardens has been criticised previously by veteran Saltburn councillor Philip Thomson.

In March Cllr Thomson said the standard of maintenance “fell well short of any acceptable level”.

This led cabinet member for neighbourhoods Councillor Neil Bendelow to concede there was “insufficient budget” to undertake wider maintenance improvement works, although he said any “safety critical” defects that arose would be rectified.

Meanwhile, in 2024 the council denied a suggestion from Cllr Thomson that volunteers who help tend to the gardens had been told sloped areas were out of bounds for health and safety reasons.

The briefing for councillors said key concerns included path erosion, overgrown vegetation, deterioration of historic features, and a declining overall condition which restricted access and diminished the site’s heritage value.

It said community involvement in the gardens was a “significant strength”, but admitted increasing maintenance demands and limited resources presented ongoing challenges in sustaining the site to the required standard.

The plan would establish a framework for coordinated maintenance activities, prioritise improvement works and support long-term conservation and enhancement.

It would also provide for a realistic and deliverable programme of works aligned to available resources and future funding opportunities.

The management plan will be formally reviewed every five years, with annual monitoring reports to assess progress and emerging priorities.

The “living document” has been developed with support and contributions from the Saltburn Valleys Community Interest Company, a registered charity formed in 2017 by local residents to help protect and conserve the environment, woodlands and heritage of the town.

Saltburn Valley Gardens was established in 1861 by Quaker industrialist Henry Pease as part of his vision for a refined Victorian seaside resort.

It was developed throughout the late 19th century and features a formal Italian garden, play and picnic areas, a bandstand, tearoom, open and wooded paths and the Saltburn Miniature Railway.