Hospiscare’s Searle House gets long‑awaited lawn transformation

In 2025, Topsham business HCT Turf launched its ‘Turf it Forward’ campaign, offering up to 150 square metres of locally grown turf to a deserving community space. Hospiscare’s Searle House in Exeter was selected as the winner, with plans to refresh the hospice garden and the lawn at the main entrance.

The team had hoped to lay the turf in November, but Storm Claudia brought heavy rain and high winds across the South West, making the work impossible. Soon after, major building works at Searle House meant the site was inaccessible, forcing the project to be put on hold.

Once these works were finally completed at the end of March, the turfing team moved quickly. Richard Hockley from HCT Turf was joined by Sam Burdick and his crew from County Grounds Maintenance, along with Victor Brook and Kitty Brook from Steve Brook Haulage, all of whom volunteered their labour.

The back lawn required a little extra TLC, with some of HCT’s topsoil being added to fill in the dips left after the removal of the garden’s old pergola.

The transformation has restored both lawns to their best, creating refreshed green spaces that patients and their families can enjoy to the full once again.

Hospiscare’s Estates Manager, Sharon Ewart, who nominated Searle House for the campaign, said: “The garden at the hospice is a special place for patients and their loved ones. With the spring flowers and blossom now out, the garden and the front lawn look better than ever. We’re grateful to HCT Turf for their help in returning it back to its full glory.”

For Richard, the project carried personal significance. Having lost a close friend to cancer, supporting Hospiscare felt especially meaningful. “In these gloomy times it’s just nice to do something positive,” he said.

“Hospiscare is such a wonderful charity that offers incredible support to the local community, and we hope staff, patients and visitors to Searle House enjoy the revitalised lawns.”

Richard also expressed his thanks to Sam and the team at County Grounds Maintenance, and to Victor and Kitty from Steve Brook Haulage, for their generous support. He will be returning to Searle House soon to roll the turf once it has settled.