About us

Devon Gardens Trust seeks to promote and protect Devon’s designed landscape heritage – its parks, gardens and cemeteries of special historic interest - for future generations. Those designed landscapes may date back at least five hundred years whilst others have been created in the last fifty; they may be small, less than an acre, or comprise hundreds of acres; they may be associated with a famous owner, designer or horticulturist; they may be an important example of their time. Each landscape is unique and has a story to tell. We work with owners, managers and local authorities to ensure that those gardens, parks and cemeteries of special historic importance are recognised and conserved. To achieve this we

  • undertake research and record the current status of designed landscapes
  • comment on planning proposals affecting important designed landscapes
  • support conservation projects, including by giving grants
  • encourage and support education in horticulture and the historic designed landscape, including awarding bursaries and grants 
  • support professional gardeners through the Professional Gardeners' Network
  • promote public awareness and understanding of designed landscapes
  • organise talks, conferences, study days and visits for members and others
  • publish articles and books

  • Governance
    Members of the Trust elect Trustees who together manage the affairs of the Trust.

  • History

    Bicton Glasshouse
    The Devon Gardens Trust was launched on 22nd April 1988 at Bicton Park.

  • Strategy
    The Trust has set out five strategic objectives each with key actions.

  • Publications
    Devon Gardens Trust has published a number of books mostly by Trust members and publishes a Journal biannually.

  • Talks & Speakers
    A number of members of Devon Gardens Trust are available to give talks on the work of the Trust, on a wide range of topics on garden history and on horticulture. Some may also lead garden tours.

  • Grants

    Restoration of Percy Cane design at Sharpham.
    The Trust offers a variety of grants to organisations and to individuals.

  • Conservation & Planning
    The Trust seeks to work with, advise and support garden owners, managers and local authorities on planning and other issues that affect our historic designed landscapes.

  • Parks & Gardens
    One of the Trust’s main aims is to ensure that there is a body of knowledge about the designed landscapes of the county in order to inform the Conservation and Planning work. A number of volunteers are involved in researching, recording and documenting these important designed landscapes.