The team at Oakham Castle are on the lookout for gardening volunteers to join them in the sensory garden at the historic site.

Oakham Castle is a Norman building dating back to 1180, and brags an impressive Great Hall which is now used for events, and walled garden.

It is now a popular tourist spot, but is a place where banquets and courts would have been held.

See over 230 horseshoes at Oakham Castle. Image credit: Nub News.

The Great Hall is famed for its for its unique collection of over 230 ornate ceremonial horseshoes donated by Peers of the Realm The exact origin of this custom is lost, but it continues to this day.

In recent years, Rutland County Council bid for a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant and in 2014 Oakham Castle was awarded £2.1 Million by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Following extensive refurbishment works, the Castle re-opened to the public in May 2016, and is now open five days a week with improved facilities offering an interactive and comprehensive guide to its 800 year history.

Refurbishment included work done more recently on the garden space, where the team are now on the hunt for volunteers to help with planning and maintaining the fruit and veg patches in the sensory garden.

Tools will be provided and all are welcome to attend in groups or individually.

To find out more, call 01572 757 528 or email [email protected].

Residents can also head to the Oakham Castle Showcase this weekend.

Find out more here or head to our What's On page for other local events.