Welcome Spring at Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens! Spring is in the air at Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens, and with it comes the cheerful bloom of daffodils, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. As our gardens begin to burst with colour, let's look at some fascinating facts about these beloved spring flowers and discover why a visit this spring can be both enriching and fun! Daffodils in bloom at the Moat and Gardens The Magic of Daffodils 1. Symbol of Hope and Renewal Daffodils are one of the earliest flowers to bloom as winter fades, making them a powerful symbol of hope and renewal. Their bright, yellow petals bring warmth and cheer, promising the rejuvenation of spring. 2. Immortal Blooms Did you know that once you plant daffodil bulbs, they can bloom year after year with minimal care? In some places, wild patches of daffodils have been flourishing for decades. This resilience makes them a perfect metaphor for overcoming challenges, much like the ethos we uphold here at Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens. 3. A National Emblem As the national flower of Wales, daffodils are worn proudly on St. David's Day every March 1st. They are also a beacon of hope in many cancer charity campaigns, symbolizing the ongoing fight against the disease. 4. Intriguing Origins Daffodils are native to Europe and North Africa, particularly thriving in the Iberian Peninsula. Their adaptability to temperate climates makes them a common sight in our gardens. 5. Natural Defenders Interestingly, daffodils are toxic to many animals, including deer, rabbits, and squirrels, helping to protect other plants around them. This natural pest resistance makes them excellent companions in gardens, safeguarding the beauty of diverse flora. 6. Daffodil Itch For those handling daffodils, be aware of the "daffodil itch," a skin irritation caused by the sap’s alkaloids and calcium oxalate crystals. While not harmful to most, it's a reminder of the plant's complex chemistry. Join Us for a Spring Adventure at Albrighton Trust Discover more about daffodils and other plants in our award-winning gardens! Not only will you witness the beauty of nature, but you'll also learn fascinating facts about many wonderful flowers. Every visit helps us continue to offer enriching activities and support to our community. Come, be part of something beautiful! For more details, simply email us at moat@albrightontrust.org.uk. Experience the wonders of spring with us – Your visit makes a difference!

Last year, the Albrighton Trust was deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. To express our gratitude to our volunteers and supporters, we hosted a celebration party this past Sunday. The day began with a fishing competition for our regular anglers. Every participant received an award, with special recognition given to Harry for catching the most fish and Mark for landing the heaviest fish, weighing an impressive 5 pounds! Our heartfelt thanks go to the coaches who provided invaluable support and assistance throughout the event. We extend special gratitude to Arnie and Jenny for presenting the awards and to the Koswecans Ukulele Band for their lively musical performance. Sean the magician also captivated our guests with his brilliant entertainment. A big thank you too, to the staff who kept drinks flowing and to Brooklands Family Butchers for providing exceptional five-star food that kept everyone satisfied. We also appreciate Loadawaffle for keeping our guests cool with delicious ice creams. Most of all, we are immensely grateful to our incredible volunteers, supporters, and guests who made the day truly unforgettable. It was a joyous celebration that will be cherished for years to come.

Parking is available for £20. To book your parking spot, please look at the Eventbrite link below.   We welcome visitors to our field, which is open to those wishing to watch the display. The field can accommodate approximately 200 vehicles and is located just across from our entrance, about one mile from RAF Cosford Air Base. Our venue offers excellent viewing opportunities for the display. Our gates will open at 9am, and volunteers will be stationed at the entrance to verify bookings against a provided list. They will also offer directions and guidance on how to enter the field and where to park and other important information. The cost for parking a vehicle is £20. On-site amenities include toilets, refreshments, homemade cakes, and a BBQ.   Parking for the Cosford Airshow Tickets, Sun, Jun 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Step into a world of fun and adventure with our exciting lineup of events that cater to everyone's interests and enjoyment. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a craft-filled activity, we have something for everyone! Don't miss out on these fantastic events waiting for you at the Albrighton Trust!

The Albrighton Trust has been honoured with the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest accolade presented to volunteer groups in the UK. Recognised as the equivalent of an MBE and awarded for life, this award celebrates the exceptional commitment and impact of volunteers within the community. Acknowledging the Albrighton Trust's remarkable achievements, Anna Turner, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, lauded the organisation, stating, "By providing this first-class friendly facility, you are bringing happiness and skills to so many beneficiaries." She praised the Trust's dedicated volunteers for their significant contributions in improving the health, well-being, and social lives of numerous individuals, highlighting their transformative impact on the community. We would like to extended heartfelt thanks to our supporters and to the volunteers for their dedication and passion in serving those in need. The Trust remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals and creating inclusive opportunities within the community. The King's Award for Voluntary Service, announced annually on 14th November in celebration of the King's birthday, honours volunteer groups across the UK for their selfless contributions and positive influence. The Albrighton Trust is honoured to be among the distinguished recipients of this prestigious award and looks forward to continuing its work in the community.

Do you have some spare time and a passion for the outdoors? Are you skilled in woodcraft, an experienced angler, or simply enjoy working as part of a small, friendly team-or even on your own? If you answered YES to any of these questions, we'd love to hear from you!The Albrighton Moat and Gardens is seeking volunteers to support the day-to-day running of our charity. With a wide range of opportunities available, there's something for everyone! You could get involved in ground maintenance, horticulture, assisting with group activities like angling and woodcraft (seasonally), or showcasing your fundraising talents during our many annual events. We offer a relaxed and flexible volunteering schedule that can fit around your commitments. Any time you can give is highly valued. For more information, feel free to contact us or pop by for a chat-we'd love to meet you!

Get ready to jingle all the way to the Festive Fayre at the Moat on Saturday, November 9th, from 11am to 2pm! This is your chance to support our local artisans and businesses while enjoying a merry mix of unique goodies that are sure to tickle your fancy. With a delightful raffle offering fantastic prizes, scrumptious refreshments to warm your heart, and a fun autumn-themed quiz to test your wits, there's something for everyone! So, come on down and let’s make this a day to remember – because when we shop local, we’re not just filling our bags, we’re filling our community with joy! Mark your calendars and join us; we can’t wait to see you there!

Are you ready for a summer filled with nature and fun? Look no further than Albrighton Trust! Whether you're a nature enthusiast, aspiring angler, or just looking for some creative family time, we've got something for everyone! ''Wild about Nature'' Wednesday 31st July and Wednesday 28th August Enjoy our "Wild about Nature" sessions, filled with fun activities and games while learning about the natural world. Discover how to light a natural fire using a fire steel, create clay creatures, make handmade bird feeders, or design leaf-pressed art. Every session offers something different and exciting! ​ Sessions are held at 10am and 1 pm. Cost: £6 per person. Coached Angling Sessions Thursday 8th and 22nd August Qualified coaches will be available to assist young, novice, or inexperienced anglers in trying their hand at fishing. Participants will learn essential skills such as baiting a hook, casting a line, and landing and unhooking a fish. Sessions are offered at 10am or 1pm, at a cost of £6 per person. Payment in advance required. Craft Workshop Sessions Wednesday 21st August Join us for a fun and creative crafts session for the whole family! This engaging indoor activity offers two-hour sessions from 10 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 3 pm. The cost is £6.00 per person, and booking and payment in advance are required. Please book any of our Summer activities by contacting us on 01902 372441 or email us moat@albrightontrust.org.uk. Everyone is welcome!

We are opening our gardens on Saturday 22nd June between 11am to 2pm. Come and explore our enchanting gardens! Relax by the serene moat, experience the wonders of our Sensory Garden, and wander along the picturesque pathways through our woodland groves. Our event will feature several stallholders offering a variety of beautiful items, including delicious refreshments, homemade cakes, chutney, and a BBQ. Additionally, there will be plants for sale and fun activities for children to enjoy. Join us for a day of relaxation, excitement, and natural beauty. Admission £2 for adults and free for children. Contact us for tickets or more information: Phone: 01902 372441 Email: moat@albrightontrust.org.uk

Sunday 9th June 2024 Join us at The Albrighton Trust for an incredible experience! Get ready to witness the awe-inspiring Cosford Air Show right from the comfort of our beautiful moat and gardens. Feel the thrill as the aircraft soar above, performing breath taking stunts and manoeuvres. We are located approximately 1 mile away from the Cosford Air Show, offering excellent views of the air display. Parking is £15 per car. We provide toilets, refreshments, and a BBQ selling burgers and sausage buns. Visit Event bright for tickets: Parking at the Moat to watch the Cosford Airshow Tickets, Sun 9 Jun 2024 at 09:00 | Eventbrite

Growing Sweet Peas can be a fun and rewarding experience, so we wanted to share some tips to ensure your success! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you create a vibrant and thriving Sweet Pea display! 1. Choose the Right Variety Selecting the right variety of Sweet Peas is essential for a successful and colourful garden. Consider factors such as colour, height, and scent when choosing your seeds or young plants. Some popular varieties include 'Spencer' varieties for large blooms and 'Old Fashioned' for a nostalgic touch. 2. Sow Seeds or Transplant Seedlings Sweet Peas can be grown from seeds or transplanted as seedlings. If sowing seeds, make sure to soak them in water overnight to aid germination. Alternatively, transplanting seedlings is a convenient option, allowing you to enjoy blooms earlier in the season. 3. Provide Proper Support Sweet Peas are climbing plants and require sturdy support structures to grow and flourish. Install trellises, obelisks, or netting to provide a secure framework for the vines to cling onto. Regularly tie the stems to the supports to prevent them from falling or becoming tangled. 4. Ensure Plenty of Sun and Water Sweet Peas thrive in full sun, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate watering is vital, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can lead to root rot. 5. Deadhead and Harvest Regularly To encourage continuous blooming, make sure to deadhead faded flowers regularly. Removing spent blooms prevents the plants from producing seed pods and redirects their energy into producing new blooms. Additionally, don't forget to harvest the fragrant blooms and bring them indoors to enjoy their beauty and scent. 6. Encourage Pollinators Sweet Peas attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your garden. Create a pollinator-friendly environment by planting other nectar-rich flowers nearby to enhance biodiversity and support these beneficial insects. We hope these tips help you grow a bountiful display of Sweet Peas in your garden. We also offer various garden therapy activities to support your wellbeing. From potting sessions to gentle gardening, join us at the Moat and immerse yourself in our beautiful gardens! Get in touch to find out how you can get involved. Don't forget to share your beautiful blooms with us and stay in touch for more gardening inspiration. Happy gardening!

Meet James Harrison, a local resident near Albrighton Moat and Garden Project. Having attended Codsall Community High School and pursued his studies in business at university, James embarked on a journey that led him to a path of resilience and purpose. After facing challenges in securing employment following his university education, James discovered an opportunity that would not only redefine his sense of purpose but also uplift his spirits. It was at the suggestion of a caring individual that James decided to explore the world of voluntary work at the Albrighton Moat and Garden Project. What makes James's story truly special is his unwavering determination, despite facing the daily effects of cerebral palsy, which impacts his speech, balance, and coordination. Engaging in woodwork, something entirely new to him, became a transformative experience for James. It ignited a spark within him and provided a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. Stepping into this unfamiliar territory allowed James to thrive, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. His dedication and passion for the work at the Albrighton Moat and Garden Project have not only inspired those around him but also enriched the community with his unwavering spirit and positive outlook. James's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential that exists within each of us. His willingness to embrace new experiences and approach life with an open heart and mind exemplifies the true essence of resilience and determination. As we celebrate James Harrison and his journey, let his story be a source of inspiration to us all. Together, let us continue to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their challenges, can thrive and find their sense of belonging. We are honoured to have James as a part of our community, and we invite you to join us in applauding his courage and tenacity. Stay connected with Albrighton Trust for more updates, events, and heart warming stories. Sign up to our newsletter or volunteer here.