16th January, 2017
The Sharpham Trust has received £57,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project that will boost volunteering opportunities across our beautiful Estate on the banks of the River Dart.
The funding – made possible by people who play the National Lottery – will support volunteers in carrying out vital conservation tasks and the restoration of our parkland and gardens – thought to have been created by England’s most famous landscape designer Capability Brown.
The Discovering Sharpham project will also help to improve access to the unique built and natural heritage of our 550-acre Sharpham Estate, based around Grade 1-listed Sharpham House.
The project will reinstate the final section of the original Carriage Drive: the cycle and footpath that runs between Totnes and the Sharpham Estate. A new Heritage Trail along the drive will be developed, with improved signage and information.
“This funding will let more people understand and appreciate the joys of Sharpham, whilst assisting with its preservation,” said Julian Carnell, Trust Director.
“For a long time we’ve been a bit of a hidden gem, and we haven’t been able to afford to do this kind of work.”
“Thanks to this funding, we can restore some of the incredible heritage we have here, whilst enabling more people to experience it.”
A new Volunteer and Engagement Officer has been employed on the Discovering Sharpham project: Maya Herbolzheimer, who will recruit and oversee volunteer teams, as well as working with local schools.
Explaining the importance of the HLF support, the Head of the HLF in the South West, Nerys Watts said, “We want to get people excited about the history on their doorstep. This project offers fantastic opportunities for local people to get involved, visit and connect with this hidden gem of a landscape.”
People who volunteer here gain a deeper understanding of the Estate’s grounds and gardens and a stronger connection with nature.
They get enriching experiences of planting, gardening, work with trees and on the land.
Volunteers get the chance to enjoy gratifying, physical work on the Estate, whilst learning new skills in nature conservation, garden restoration and the outdoors.
“Also, volunteers become a part of the Sharpham Trust family,” said Maya. “There’s a real sense of belonging and connection. Our regular volunteers become valuable members of our whole team.”
If you want to volunteer for or get involved with Discovering Sharpham, please contact Maya Herbolzheimer on 01803 731802 or email volunteer@sharphamtrust.org
Find out more about volunteering at Sharpham by clicking here