Devon Gardens Trust is an active charity which aims to promote the education of the public on matters  connected with the arts and sciences of garden land and to preserve, enhance and re-create for education and enjoyment of the public whatever garden land may exist in and around the county of Devon.


Throughout the country, English Heritage (link: www.english-heritage.org.uk/) is adding gardens of significant historic interest to a Register. Like listed buildings, these then require special care in planning decisions but unlike  buildings there is no direct protection in law. In Devon there are 53 parks, gardens and cemeteries registered by English Heritage.

The Devon Gardens Trust has established a local register to help owners and local authorities to protect less well known examples and to support those who care for them. All the work of the Trust depends on the goodwill of owners and can only be undertaken by invitation.

Members are informed about garden history discoveries and developments at local and national levels. There are group visits to gardens, and social events with expert speakers. Opportunities are given to become involved in recording gardens, parks and trees, working on archives and practical projects.

Lectures about the Trust are given to other groups: Please contact the Secretary for details.

A large number of schools have requested and received help from the Trust with their school grounds. Plants, benches, water butts and advice were given to schools participating in a Jubilee competition. Small grants and certificates were also presented and much appreciated.

A day for students and careers teachers to encourage those considering a career in horticulture was held at Killerton, supported by 'Awards for All' and the National Trust.

Gardens are an important element in our national heritage but by their nature are constantly changing. Only buildings and hard landscaping plus a few trees will be more than a century old. Protection has often to be accompanied by replanting and this involves difficult decisions. Gardens also need to be developed in order to reflect new emphases, such as biodiversity, and to utilise modern technology. However maturity is one aspect of many beautiful gardens and hasty or uninformed decisions can so easily destroy a site. The Trust seeks to work with all those involved in developing Devon's historic gardens.