The Friends of The Forgotten Garden of Lewtrenchard

Click on any of the images throughout the site to reveal larger more detailed versions..

One unexpected outcome of recent research by local historians into the life of Sabine Baring-Gould has been the discovery that just to the north of Lewtrenchard Manor Hotel, (which, as Lew House, was the ancestral home of Sabine) in a much neglected and densely overgrown valley in Barton wood, known locally as ‘The Glen,’ there had once been a charming and quite extraordinary Edwardian woodland garden. This is evident from the remains of ponds, walls, an imposing waterfall, walkways, slate steps, viewing areas and a grotto. Also, in what appears to be have been an adjacent domestic yard associated with Lew House, is a pigsty built by Sabine’s father, Edward, and a stone tower that may at one time have been an icehouse. Perhaps the most exciting structure known to have been in the Glen is a Holy Well the location of which has proved elusive.

Professional gardener, Robert Stemson, and amateur local historian, Ron Wawman, first met in July 2006 at the Open Garden Day of Lewtrenchard Manor Hotel. Rob and Ron soon discovered that they both had the same romantic dream – the restoration of the forgotten garden. There and then they determined to make this dream come true. And so it is that they brought together a group of enthusiastic volunteers who, in 2007, set themselves up as a charitable association, known as The Friends of the Forgotten Garden of Lew Trenchard.

From Dream To Reality:

The Garden is now open to the Public..
The long term aim of the Friends of the Forgotten Gardens is the restoration of the whole of the previously neglected garden and surrounding woodlands to how we believe they were nearly one hundred years ago when Sabine Baring-Gould restored and rebuilt the Holy Well.

On 30 April 2011, at joyful event, attended by over 70 people of all ages, the gardens were formally opened to the public by Councillor John Hockridge, Mayor of West Devon, supported by Councillor Christine Marsh, Chairperson of Devon County Council. The weather was unexpectedly kind to us and following the opening ceremony there was a conducted walk through the gardens.

Explanatory notice boards are to be found at strategic points around the garden. Because of on-going work, some areas of the garden remain hazardous and must remain off-limits for the time being. Visitors are asked to keep to clearly designated footpaths.

Dogs are welcome but, for a variety of reasons must be kept on a lead at all times. Owners are asked to pick up after their dogs and take the excrement home with them.

The Friends are committed to eventually providing wheelchair access throughout the garden, but at the present time such access is limited.


Councillor John Hockridge, Mrs Ruth Dawe, Dr Merriol Almond, Councillor Christine Marsh and Mrs Hockridge.	Councillor Hockridge cuts the tape.	Ruth Dawe introduces the project.

Gathering round the site of the Holy Well.	Ron Wawman explains the history of the Holy Well.	Explaining plans for the restoration of the ancient woodlands.

Newsletter no. 4 March 2011:

The fouth issue of the Newsletter appears as a separate page of this website.

The most significant development during the autumn and winter 2010/2011 was the splendid restoration of the waterfall by Tony Worth and his team. Otherwise the focus of the Friends has been on general clearance and preparation for the opening of the garden on 30th April 2011. Working in the bitter cold weather has not been easy but it did provide Audrey Jones with the opportunity to take some stunning pictures of hoar frost in the woods.


The waterfall newly restored by Tony Worth and his team.	A mallow grows in the wild flower meadow.	Hoar frost in the garden.

The Glade in late summer – a wild flower meadow at last!	Tony Worth’s Team bypassing the Holy Well.	‘Star of Bethlehem’ – newly planted 2009.

Interested?

For further information visit the “All About the Friends” page.
For an Application form click here.
For a Standing Order form click here.