If you're planning to visit between Monday 9th September and Friday 13th September, please be aware that there is a diversion in place to get to the main entrance. This is due to Wessex Water works taking place and closing the road along Pitchers Hill in Cheddon Fitzpaine. To see where the road closure is and the diversion, please click here. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Schoolchildren from Cheddon Fitzpaine Church School got their hands dirty by helping to replant an avenue of trees along Hestercombe’s former Portman Driveway.
The 60 crab apple trees, of the Malus hupehensis variety, flower with a mass of pink and white blossom in the spring, and now line the drive beyond Cheddon Fitzpaine Village Hall in woodland area of Hestercombe known as Sandilands.
A special tree-planting ceremony was held and supporters of Hestercombe, who have sponsored the trees, were invited along to come and be part of the event. Some of the trees have been dedicated to loved ones, or serve as a memorial to family.
In addition to the planting ceremony, a special book of remembrance will be produced and retained at the historic House and Gardens with citations from sponsors.
Michael and Ron Phillips (right), who sponsored their tree in loving memory of Elizabeth Phillips (1936-2014)
The fundraising scheme hopes to raise £15,000 for our 20th Anniversary Appeal.
Head gardener Claire Reid, said: “We hope this will be a beautiful and remarkable addition that lasts for decades, even centuries to come. “The crab apple tree flowers with a mass of blossom, so it will be a wonderful and distinct tree-lined avenue.”
Crab apple trees are still available to sponsor.
If you would like to be part of Hestercombe’s history and sponsor a tree, please contactinfo@hestercombe.com or call 01823 413923.
