RHS Garden Bridgewater is celebrating a very special milestone after the 500,000th visitor since the garden opened in May 2021 passed through the gates.

Head of Garden Richard Green and Visitor Services Manager Heather Stenton welcomed Rebecca Jones, from Stockport, with an RHS Lifetime Membership as she visited on 9 June.

Mrs Jones said: “I received RHS Membership for my birthday last year. My membership was just about to run out so this is a very welcome surprise birthday present from the RHS!

I’ve visited the garden with my family four times and we all enjoy seeing the changing seasons. Without a doubt the Paradise Garden is my favourite part of Bridgewater. I’m a fan of designer Tom Stuart-Smith and his plant choices there have inspired me in my own garden. It’s also a great place to bring my toddler, who loves the woodland play area.”

Richard Green said: “We’ve had a fantastic first year at Bridgewater. It’s been great to see visitors of all ages enjoying the garden. Our family attractions such as Woodland Play and school holiday events have also ensured that our young visitors can get up close to nature and learn about gardening.

“Reaching our 500,000th visitor is a really exciting moment for us. It is thanks to loyal visitors like Rebecca and her family that the RHS as a charity is able to invest in education and community programmes and in the continuing development of our gardens.

“With her Lifetime Membership Rebecca will be able to see the further changes and growth of the garden, starting in 2023 with the building of the first pavilion in the Chinese Streamside Garden and the creation of a space where local people can learn traditional woodland management techniques and crafts. In the long-term we’re planning the restoration of the terraces on the site of Worsley Old Hall, building a dedicated learning centre and library, and establishing a Northern School of Horticulture to offer more young people the chance to learn and train with the RHS.”

RHS Garden Bridgewater is made possible by Salford City Council and The Peel Group. Salford City Council invested £19 million into the project which will bring substantial economic and tourism benefits to the city, its communities and the north-west region. The Peel Group are custodians of the former Worsley New Hall estate where the garden has been created.