Introduction

Welcome to the Bore Place gardens at the heart of this 500 acre farm.  Managed organic-ally, the gardens are designed as individual areas connected by a strong bias in favour of the natural world. They are intended to be a continuing source of inspiration, encouraging an easy alliance between human needs and wildlife.  We also hope to engage our students’ and visitors’ interest in wider environmental   issues through what is, to many, a very familiar medium.

Where feasible, we use native or naturalised plants, taking into account genetic diversity to sustain natural strength and disease resistance.  Many plants are grown from organically produced seed and many are edible, medicinal or useful to wildlife.  Many others have been donated by staff, neighbours and friends.

History

Set on heavy, wet Wealden clay, Bore Place has enjoyed recorded settlement since 1216.  Running from north to south through the site, the driveway was originally a drovers’ path with natural land-drainage running alongside.

The old garden wall on the east side of the Reflecting Pool Garden dates back to Tudor times whilst other features, such as the underground water reservoirs, are Victorian.

Present Usage

The gardens play host to a wide diversity of visitors, and are designed to create a gently managed, restful framework in which all may observe and enjoy nature.  They offer space for learning, gathering together and solitary reflection, alongside a new vegetable garden for the kitchen.

Several areas of the garden are part of a continuing programme of education which actively involves young people and adults with disabilities.  Decisions are made collectively, with development & maintenance work only proceeding when participating groups are    present.  This means that we progress slowly, but valuable learning takes place and we can sustain these areas over the longer term.

We are very fortunate to have access to the knowledge and skill of an Underwoodsman who constructs many of the wooden and willow structures around the garden.  Wherever possible we use natural, recycled or locally produced materials. Where we can’t meet our needs on site, acquiring materials locally saves energy and strengthens the local economy.