Follaton Arboretum and Cemetery

Follaton Arboretum

See the location of the Follaton Arboretum and Forest Garden here - it's behind Follaton House, the premises for South Hams District Council, less than a mile from the center of Totnes, along the Plymouth Road.

Follaton Forest Garden

Come and join part or all of a monthly volunteer session to establish a forest garden within the Follaton Arboretum. We have planted trees, shrubs, and perennial edibles and created a path leading to a sitting area with a fire pit for picnics. This spot enjoys great views of Dartmoor. We will now continue improving this picnic area and the adjoining pond, plant more understorey shrubs, herbs and flowers, and care for the existing ones (weeding, mulching, pruning, etc.).

We are also caring for the Edibles Nursery, near the forest garden site, where we propagate edible plants - especially fruit and nut trees and shrubs - for community gardens in the area. We run grafting workshops at least once a year.

Our regular family-friendly sessions take place on the first Sunday of each month, 11 am to 1 pm, and all are welcome to help or just to give some verbal support! We learn gardening skills from each other and enjoy ourselves! Tools provided, and you can join for as little or as long as you wish. Weather permitting, we often stay on for a shared picnic beyond 1 pm.

The forest garden is near the highest point of Follaton Arboretum, next to the gazebo (and the nursery is further down, on the North West side of the park). More info follatonforestgarden@gmail.com.

We are currently looking for someone to help with the administration of the project.  If you have a few hours a week to spare and think you could help in this way, please contact follatonforestgarden@gmail.com

 

Follaton Arboretum Orchard and Nut Groves

Scattered widely through the Follaton Arboretum are groves of nut trees planted as a transition initiative since 2007, and a fruit orchard with apple, pear and plum trees, planted in 2012. These groves of young fruit and nut trees stand among a few old and mature nut trees, as well as younger plantings of native trees established by the volunteers of Trees for Health.

Occasional days are held throughout the year for pruning and other care of Arboretum Orchard and Nut Groves or the fruit and nut trees at the nearby Follaton Town Cemetery.  The session activities vary throughout the seasons and include summer and winter pruning, clearing around the trees, mulching and attending to the trees as needed. Everyone welcome.  Please bring gardening gloves and secateurs if you have them (some spare ones will also be there).  For more information and upcoming dates please visit the TTT events page or contact briony@transitiontowntotnes.org.

Totnes Town Cemetry

The town cemetery has been planted with fruit and nut trees since 2008, and now has many young trees bearing apples, pears, and plums. Some of the trees have been donated from other places, including Todmorden, the original home of Incredible Edible. The trees stand among the old graves, and the place is a haven for walks and quiet reflection.

We hold various events here throughout the year, including pruning workshops, days for tree care and picnics.

In 2016 Totnes Mayor planted a few more fruit trees here as part of the WW1 centenary.