A Community Garden with learning opportunities for all…

Hidden through the backdoor of the Visitor’s Centre in Princetown lies a miniature Dartmoor waiting to be discovered. We have been speaking to Pat from the Dartmoor Preservation Society, to find out about the past, present and future of the Jack Wigmore Garden and how she hopes to use it as an educational resource, where any group ‘can be touched by the wild’.

The Past

Originally created as a memorial garden in the 1990s. Pat approached the Dartmoor National Park Authority in Autumn 2015 with an idea to revive the botanical space and create an educational setting that represented all the essential flora and fauna of ‘The Moor’. Her idea was that, with 70,000 visitors coming to the centre each year, even if people fail to get out onto Dartmoor, they can learn about the features and history in the garden. After many meetings, she was able to secure funding from the Dartmoor National Park’s ‘Your Dartmoor Fund’ and, in Spring 2016, a group of volunteers began clearing, cleaning-up and creating new aspects to the garden.

The Present

Everything in the garden is sympathetic to Dartmoor and reflects the space that it represents. The paths are made from ground up pieces of granite straight from the moors. Ancient historical pieces, such as the 4000 Bronze Age burial chamber, known as a cist, and the old medieval cross from Ter Hill - have been relocated to the garden.

Pat’s idea was to make a space that is both friendly and accessible to all ages. The garden is secure so children can wander freely through the plants and historical artefacts. Seating provides opportunities to rest, or just enjoy a view of the wide variety of plants and trees that have been planted. Slate labels and information boards help anyone entering the botanical haven find out more about the plants and artefacts and their significance for the local moor. 

The Future

Although it is open daily, the garden is not quite finished and it is constantly being evolved and adapted with improvements. Work is currently underway to create a Dartmoor bog in the garden, as part of the ‘Magnificent Mires’ project with the help of Dartmoor Wildlife Trust with wildlife being encouraged through its plants and wildlife boxes. Pat hopes to develop it into a learning place for all ages. From teaching adults and groups about rural skills and Dartmoor’s working environment, to delivering sessions to schools and children about wildlife and the fascinating history of their local national park.

With links to Plymouth University, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Devon Wildlife Trust, there are fabulous opportunities to create educational programmes for all ages, using the garden as a stimulus to learning. Pat says the dream would be to have an Education Officer ready to deliver sessions with local schools and groups as well as regular clubs for both adults and children from the community.

Whatever happens in the future, the garden is definitely going to continue to be what Pat tried to create: ‘a hands on, not hands off’ experience for all.

If you want to be kept informed of events and activities at the Conservation Garden for next year, or if you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer helper and learn about wild gardening, email Pat Fleming on: wylde@gn.apc.org