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With A Little Help From My Friends
Explore our projects for your outdoor transformation
With A Little Help From My Friends – The Little School, Barlborough
In 2005, Butler Landscapes were commissioned to design the garden spaces for a special episode of With A Little Help From My Friends. The project, led by Paul Burrell, focused on transforming the historic Little School in Barlborough, Derbyshire.
A Historic Venue
The Little School has served the village for centuries. Originally a barn, it became a “Poor School” in 1798, later converted into the local infant School in 1874, and then used as a community hall following its closure in 1928. By 2005, the building was in need of care and restoration to secure its future as a community venue.
Our Role
Working alongside the programme team and local volunteers, Butler Landscapes provided the garden design to complement the refurbishment of the building itself. Our design created:
- A welcoming outdoor space for visitors to gather.
- Planting and landscaping that reflected the heritage of the building while bringing colour and life.
- Seating areas to encourage community use and outdoor events.
- A scheme that was both practical and achievable within the show’s fast-paced schedule.
The Outcome
The project was televised nationally, bringing fresh attention to the Little School and celebrating the power of community. Today, the building continues to serve Barlborough as a space for local groups, events and private functions, supported by outdoor spaces shaped through our design.
For Butler Landscapes, it was an honour to contribute to the revival of such a historically significant building, ensuring it could remain at the heart of the village.