Tackling the overgrown

A team of 60 South Yorkshire teenagers have helped tidy up the grounds at the historic Grade I listed stately home, Wentworth Woodhouse.
Wentworth Sunken GardenWentworth Sunken Garden
Wentworth Sunken Garden

The youngsters took part in the clean-up as part of Rotherham United's Community Sports Trust's National Citizen service scheme, a youth development programme running across the UK for young people aged 15-17.

The scheme engages young people in residential and social action activities during their school holidays.

Wentworth Sunken GardenWentworth Sunken Garden
Wentworth Sunken Garden
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The Rotherham teens joined head gardener Scott Jamieson, and his right hand man Andy Smith, to get stuck into the backbreaking task of digging out the sunken garden and reorganising the beds in the rose garden at the hous,e now being restored for the nation by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.

Andy Smith said: 'Our sunken garden, which dates from the Victorian era, was totally overgrown. None of the stonework was visible anymore. Our Georgian rose garden was also in a sorry state. We and our regular volunteers are so busy maintaining and restoring the gardens we didn't have time to tackle the task.

'The NCS team really got stuck in. It was hard work but they enjoyed it and their enthusiasm was wonderful to see. We are so very grateful to them for their help.'

The NCS participants picked up their shovels and wheelbarrows, got stuck in and cleared weeds and earth to reveal the sunken garden and ensure paths between rose beds were wheelchair accessible.

Charlotte Flear, aged 16, of Brampton Bierlow, said: 'I grew up visiting the grounds with my parents. I always felt it looked like a princess's castle and was really pleased to be able to help.'Â