A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to save a hugely-popular feature at a beauty spot.

Guardians of the St Ives estate at Harden need to find £25,000 to secure the future of the history garden.

Plants and benches have been cleared from the site after a new leaseholder moved in.

But the Friends of St Ives group has been given the option of buying the plot.

Items removed from the garden are currently in storage at the Cliffe Castle nursery in Keighley.

Pam Laking, chairman of the Friends of St Ives, said many people had voiced anxieties after seeing the now-barren plot.

“The garden had been there for about nine years and was incredibly popular,” she said.

“People are very upset that it has been stripped and are concerned about what’s happening.

“The garden was full of historic plants and fruit trees and was a huge draw with visitors to the estate.

“But it was also educationally and ecologically important.

“Now the area is just soil and it’s extremely sad to see.”

She said the Friends had been given 30 days’ notice to vacate the site, but were offered the chance to buy it – which the group is pursuing.

“We’re not in any way criticising the leaseholder – at the end of the day they are a business,” added Mrs Laking.

“Bradford Council has been wonderful.

“It has helped us move all the plants and other items from the garden.

“It’s also provided a ‘home’ for the plants and trees at Cliffe Castle, and we are able to visit whenever we like to check on them.”

She said the Friends were hopeful of raising sufficient funds to buy the garden plot, and return all the plants and trees.

They are approaching the Heritage Lottery Fund about the possibility of support, and would like to hear from any businesses able to help.

“We are keen to buy the garden area and are proceeding along that route,” said Mrs Laking.

“It is such a valuable asset and we don’t want to see it lost.

“We’ve been offered another site on the estate, but it wouldn’t be as suitable.”

Anyone wishing to offer support can contact Mrs Laking on 07958 780391.