Created out of a jungle of overgrown vegetation, the gardens are now a true testament to the original vision of the steel magnates, the Doncaster family, who wanted to show city dwellers the beauty of exotic and specimen trees from all over the world. The family were later helped in their quest by the renowned horticulturalist and nurseryman, Clarence Elliott and now the Friends of Whinfell Quarry Gardens have brought the gardens back to their former glory with the help of two grants totalling nearly £60,000.

What has given us the confidence to succeed has been the help of the HLF

David Jordan, Chair of the Friends

David Jordan, Chair of the Friends, said: "What has given us the confidence to succeed has been the help of the HLF. They've shared our enthusiasm, guided us along the way and helped us with the applications. They've made it as easy as possible for us and we couldn't have done it without them."

The dedicated groups of volunteers are now planning to restore a 1912 dramatic cascade. They will then in turn, pass on their knowledge of the gardens' history to the next generation who will take on the mantle of looking after this very special place on the outskirts of Sheffield's bustling urban heart.