forest garden

Come and join part or all of a monthly volunteer session to establish a community 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 towards Dartmoor. We will continue improving the picnic area and the new wildlife pond, plant more under-storey shrubs, herbs, vegetables and flowers, and care for the existing ones (weeding, mulching, pruning, etc.). We are also tending the nursery, near the forest garden site, where we grow young fruit, nut and other useful trees and shrubs for community projects.

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, to find out about it or just to show support! We learn gardening skills from each other and enjoy ourselves! Tools are provided, and anyone can join for as little or as long as they wish..

We usually stay on for a shared picnic and sometimes for an afternoon session, caring for other fruit/nut trees on the Arboretum, learning other skills (such as pruning, grafting or foraging) or doing something fun together.

Directions - turn left off Plymouth Road just after Follaton Bungalows, head into the car park for Follaton House. There is a gravel path that starts on the left just after where the Bob-the-Bus vehicles are parked. A wooden sign reads 'Follaton'. The gravel path winds to the top of the hill, where a veranda is located, which is next to the forest garden.

For more info email follatonforestgarden@gmail.com . On the day, or for specific forest gardening queries, you can also call Larch on 07726 195412.