Walking project to reveal Leeds suburb's hidden history

And although the grandiose scheme was ultimately doomed to failure, the remnants of the Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens can still be seen around Headingley almost two

centuries later.

Now an imaginative new arts project will invite local explorers to take a walk back through time as they rediscover an enthralling chapter in the area’s hidden history.

Entitled A Garden Through Time, the project is being supported by Leeds Inspired’s grants scheme, a part of Leeds City Council which collaborates with local arts and community

groups and helps them bring their ideas to life.

Writer and storyteller Matthew Bellwood and audio producer Rosie Parsons will be working with local historians, academics and fellow artists to create a guided audio walk around

Headingley, taking in some of the zoo and garden’s remaining features.

First opening to the public in 1840 on land off Cardigan Road, the Leeds Zoological and Botanical Garden was meant to rival similar spectacular attractions in London.

Featuring two lakes, winding paths, trees and flower beds, a monkey enclosure, an eagle and an imposing, castle-like bear pit which still stands today, the garden’s opening

ceremony was attended by thousands of local people and civic dignitaries.

But after years of financial struggles, the ambitious endeavour eventually proved far too expensive and in 1858, it closed forever, replaced by a new road and housing.

Matthew said: “This is a really fascinating part of our local history. Even though it’s largely forgotten about today, the traces of the gardens can still be seen around Headingley - if you

know where to look.

"The last few months have given people time and incentive to investigate their local areas and we hope that this audio tour will help people to dig a little deeper and look at

Headingley in a different way."

He added: "Uncovering the story is a great way of exploring the legacy of our Victorian ancestors and the ways our attitudes and ideas have changed in the intervening years. We’re really

pleased that Leeds Inspired is supporting culture and the arts in the city and giving us the chance to tell this incredible story.”

As well as the bear pit, some of the attraction’s original fountains and walls will also be part of the walk while several exotic plant and tree specimens still remain visible on the garden’s

former site.

The audio walk will be one of a number of projects funded through the Leeds Inspired grants scheme, which makes grants of up to £1,200 available to artists and organisations.

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