House's woodland named after 'unsung worker'

A new woodland in the grounds of a historic house has been named after an "unsung worker".

The 10-hectare (25 acre) woodland, made up of more than 20,000 trees, was planted at Ushaw Historic House earlier this year and a competition on social media saw it named after one its former employees.

Vivian Avery worked at Ushaw from 1930, when he painted the gold leaf and stencilling that still decorates the house today.

Now Avery Wood, the name was suggested by Mr Avery's granddaughter, Maria Wheeler, who said it was a "tremendous honour".

Ushaw was completed in 1808 and is a former Catholic seminary, which is now open to the public.

"Naming the wood in memory of my grandfather Vivian Avery and his parents who also worked at Ushaw is a tremendous honour," Ms Wheeler said.

"It is a reminder of our family connections and happy memories of Ushaw."

Mr Avery worked at Ushaw until he retired, and died in 1977.

Ms Wheeler added it "also recognises the vast team of unsung workers that kept, and continue to keep, Ushaw alive and running throughout the years".

Head gardener, Ady Davis, said the name "celebrates the people who have helped shape Ushaw over generations".

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