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Transforming lives in Wrexham with horticultural therapy

Established in 2002, Erlas Victorian Walled Garden is a place where people with additional needs can experience the benefits of gardening together

Erlas Victorian Walled Garden at a glance:

  • Type of garden: walled garden
  • Location: Wrexham, Wales
  • Budget: £300,000 per year for staff and operational costs
  • Dimension: 24,000 square metres
  • Implementation phase: started in 2002, ongoing
  • Key features: accessible raised beds, wide pathways, seating areas, inclusive communal spaces, greenhouse, polytunnels, orchard, sensory planting, woodland walk

How the wellbeing garden began

Erlas Victorian Garden won an RHS Community Award in 2025
Erlas Victorian Walled Garden is a cherished oasis often referred to as ‘the lungs of Wrexham’. It was established in 2002 with a clear aim: to restore a historic garden and use it as a place where people with additional needs could learn new skills, build confidence and experience the therapeutic benefits of horticulture and community.

Over time, the site has developed into a vibrant wellbeing space shaped by the people who use it, from beneficiaries and volunteers to staff and local supporters. Each area of the garden has been designed or renovated to increase accessibility, purpose and a sense of belonging.

Budget and process

Charlotte at work in the polytunnel
A peaceful corner in the Jubilee Garden 
Erlas Victorian Walled Garden is also the name of the small but rapidly growing charity that manages the garden, putting wellbeing front and centre. Since 2002, significant work has been undertaken to restore the site, including the creation of new paths, beds and heritage features. In particular, accessible raised beds, wide pathways and seating areas have been introduced to support a range of mobility needs.

Communal areas, such as the Roundhouse, the Learning Room and craft spaces, have been established for group activities, creative workshops and social connection. The charity has also developed a large greenhouse and polytunnels for year-round horticultural work and introduced an orchard, sensory planting zones and a nature-rich woodland walk to encourage movement and quiet reflection.

The charity spends £300,000 per year on staff and operational costs, which include utility bills, materials, maintenance of historic structures and delivery of workshops. Training sessions and community events are funded through a combination of grants and income from fundraising activities, such as fayres and open days.

Lessons learnt: what challenges did you encounter?

Raised beds and wide pathways make the garden accessible to a range of mobility needs
For the charity, maintaining a large historic garden with limited funds is a big challenge. However, the team has become skilled at stretching resources creatively, relying on volunteers, donations and external partnerships.

As the site has developed, the team at Erlas has also learned the importance of adapting infrastructure, so that people of all abilities can participate fully and safely.

Lessons learnt: what went well?

Emma Hall has been volunteering at Erlas since its opening in 2002
The orchard provides seasonal fruit and a peaceful walking space
“Our biggest success is the culture that has grown around the garden. Visitors often comment on the warmth, welcoming atmosphere and sense of togetherness here,” said Sorrel Taylor, CEO of Erlas Victorian Walled Garden.

Beneficiaries are also involved in the daily running of the garden, including activities such as planting, harvesting and preparing produce for sale and maintenance. “Their ideas guide how the garden evolves. Facilitating beneficiaries to take ownership of tasks and areas of the garden has led to increased confidence and meaningful engagement,” added Sorrel.

Impact of the wellbeing garden so far

Erlas Communications Officer Hugh Seamarks and CEO Sorrel Taylor
Erlas Victorian Walled Garden offers a safe, joyful place for people to connect and feel valued. Whether planting seeds, tending pathways or helping with events, the beneficiaries play a meaningful part in the life of the garden, which has a positive impact on their overall wellbeing. Through open days, fayres, workshops and partnerships, the garden has also become a cherished asset for the local community, where people of all ages come together.

“I love everything about the garden,” said Mary, one of the beneficiaries. “It feels like a family – we’re like brothers and sisters,” added beneficiary Charlotte.

In 2025 the charity, which is also an RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood group, won the Gardening for Health and Wellbeing RHS Community Award, which recognises the efforts of a group in creating a community garden that maximises the health benefits for those taking part in it and their wider community.

“It’s humbling to receive this RHS Community Award,” said Sorrel Taylor. “To be recognised for what the garden does in terms of health and wellbeing is amazing. Erlas Victorian Walled Garden is a living example of a mutually beneficial relationship between a green space that needs support and the beneficiaries who work in the garden, whose wellbeing is supported by the space itself. Without them, nature would take the garden back, but the garden gives so much too. The work the beneficiaries are involved in is truly life changing.”

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Read more about the RHS Wellbeing Garden Blueprint

Creating a wellbeing garden in your community

Creating a wellbeing garden in your community

What to plant in a wellbeing garden

What to plant in a wellbeing garden

Get involved

The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.