Furzey Gardens, in Minstead, has a new wooden bridge to mark its 100th year. The bridge takes visitors along a path through a newly-sown wildflower meadow.

The bridge was opened at an event on 11 May, which was attended by more than 70 people. It was designed and constructed by engineering firm Ramboll along with people with learning disabilities and gardeners at Furzey Gardens through funding from the Ramboll Foundation.

As well as marking the garden’s centenary, the bridge also commemorates the innovative engineering pioneered by Dr Edwin Gifford OBE and the company he founded nearby in 1951, which is now part of the Ramboll Group.

Furzey Gardens is a public garden that supports people with learning disabilities to maintain the grounds and raise plants in the nursery. It is owned by Minstead Trust, a charity that supports more than 220 people with learning disabilities across Hampshire.

2022 is Furzey Gardens’ centenary year. Its story begins with intrepid plant hunters who filled the gardens with rare species and progresses to its more modern history as a place of support and education for people with learning disabilities.

The gardens are running a ‘Special Years’ fundraising campaign to raise £500,000. Lovers of Furzey Gardens can donate to the appeal, take part in a raffle or sponsor one of 100 centenary oaks being planted in autumn.

To find out more about Furzey Garden’s centenary events and fundraising appeal visit www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/furzey-centenary