THE Welsh Historic Gardens Trust is working with Aberystwyth University in a new partnership to develop a long-term conservation plan for the Penglais campus grounds.

A joint working group has been set up with representatives from the Ceredigion branch of the trust.

As well as the trust, the group will include Estates Department staff and the university’s own botanical experts.

There will also be consultation with staff and students as part of the development of a conservation management plan for the grounds, which are Grade II* listed by Cadw.

The setting up of the group was announced shortly after a critical online article appeared pointing out that the campus grounds were listed and slating the university for ripping up ornamental shrubs on a bank on the side of the main road through the campus, in front of the Hugh Owen Library building.

Dr Caroline Palmer, chair of the Ceredigion branch of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the university on what we envisage will be the development of a long-term plan to be rolled out over a number of years.

“Our joint aim will be to draw up a policy for current maintenance and future aspirations for this designed landscape. We are fortunate to be able to draw on the knowledge and expertise of former Head Gardener John Corfield who, in conjunction with former curator Basil Fox, was responsible for the trialling and planting of many rare trees and shrubs in the 1970s.”

Andrea Pennock, director of Estates at Aberystwyth University, said: “We are delighted that the Ceredigion branch of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust will be working with us as we develop our new conservation management plan for Penglais campus as they bring with them a wealth of botanical and historical knowledge of this special site."

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow