Historic garden secures £357k funding boost

A historically important garden gem owned by Teignbridge District Council has been given a double funding boost.

Homeyards Botanical Gardens, in Shaldon, has received £317,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and £40,000 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The funding will be vital in continuing the invaluable work around conservation and improvements to Homeyards, ensuring the gardens remain the focus point of life in the village well into the future.

Work will allow for:

• The restoration of the garden’s castle including the reinstatement of the roof, windows and doors and creation of a new kitchen and toilet with disabled access
• The refurbish the Italianate garden, its stonework and rockeries
• The creation of an indoor space for use by schools, volunteer groups and special events and interpretation material so people can learn about the garden’s history and horticulture
• Pathway improvements so provide better access for those with disabilities and give more opportunities for people to explore the garden through educational courses/workshops.
• More educational activities including events, walks, talks and volunteer days.

The project will be managed by Teignbridge together with the long-established Friends of Homeyards Botanical Gardens who play a vital part in looking after the gardens.

Lisa Pash, the Chairman of the Friends of Homeyards Botanical Gardens, said:

“It’s clear from the numbers of villagers who subscribe to the Friends, who have taken a keen interest in the growing importance of the Homeyards story to Shaldon’s history and who come along to enjoy events, that this green haven is a place they care strongly about.

“With everything now in place the castle where Mrs Homeyard entertained her friends will be sympathetically restored for use by both community and visitors and the steps and pathways through the arboretum will be made safer and more accessible for all. Huge thanks must go to everyone who has helped to achieve this amazing result.”

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive spokesman for Recreation and Leisure, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted that the HLF and Viridor Credits Environmental Company provided this grant funding. It will be invaluable for the restoration and enhancement of Homeyards into the future.

“Not only will it give residents and visitors a peaceful sanctuary to visit, it will help many groups, schoolchildren and visitors understand its place in local history and learn more about nature. It’s great to know that we are a step closer to preserving it and enhancing it for community use.”

Cllr Chris Clarance, Teignbridge District Council’s ward member for Shaldon and Stokeinteignhead, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Teignbridge has won this grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The garden is one of the council’s jewels.

“One of our late departed district councillors for Shaldon, Captain Roger Lewis who was part of the bomb disposal effort in World War Two, wanted the gardens to be maintained to the same standard as the gardens in Old Forde House.

"Over the years, and with the help of Teignbridge staff and the Friends of the Botanical Gardens, his wish has come true. This grant funding will take that standard even higher.

“A very big thanks goes to Teignbridge staff, Lisa Pash and the volunteers for the time and effort put into this wonderful garden and getting such wonderful windfalls that will benefit the Shaldon community and its visitors for years to come.”

Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West, said: “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we’re pleased to support this project which will enable even more people to discover the wonderful heritage hidden in Homeyards Botanical Garden as well as ensure a bright future for an important part of Teignbridge’s past.”

Gareth Williams, Funded Projects Manager for Viridor Credits Environmental Company said: “The Homeyards project provided Viridor Credits and the Devon steering group a rare opportunity to contribute significantly to a project that both preserves the heritage of the gardens while allowing the public to access and learn about their fascinating history. We at Viridor Credits look forward to the completion of this exciting project.”

Homeyards were created originally as a private garden during the 1920s and 30s for Maria Laetitia Kempe Homeyard whose husband William had invented and manufactured a cough syrup called Liqufruta.

With the guidance of garden designer William Sears from Thomas Rider Company of London, she created an informal terraced arboretum which provides views over the Teign Estuary and across Lyme Bay.

It has features such as a castle where Maria was able to entertain friends, a witches cave (or small grotto built of Torquay limestone) pond and rill garden, and Italianate garden.

On her death in 1944 it passed to the Teignmouth Urban District Council before coming under the stewardship of Teignbridge District Council in 1974.

The project team will be onsite to talk about the plans – keep an eye out for posters near the gardens or on Teignbridge’s Facebook pages or website www.teignbridge.gov.uk, on Facebook www.facebook.com/teignbridge and Twitter @Teignbridge