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Our Work
The funds we raise are used to support the Park in meeting our objects, namely to help preserve and enhance the Park for future generations whether that's in the gardens, the woodlands or the House and whether it's for the buildings and statues or the plants. Everything we do benefits the public in some way, and without your funds we can't do any of it.
The Park and Gardens
Maintaining the historic trees and plants
The rangers and gardeners do a fantastic job of maintaining the 865 acres of parkland and the 2 formal gardens, but sometimes there isn't the funding to replace the specimen trees and plants that are affected by the weather. The funds you provide are used for annual bedding plants in the formal gardens, and we have also funded the creation of the Knot Garden by the house, the Deer Garden by the Stables and the Relic Garden, among others
Camellia Trail
We were asked to help the park to upgrade this ever popular Spring trail. Initially, the Friends supported the project by funding a full professional survey and report on what was required to upgrade it (which included the design of new art work for the signs along the trail). The new signs were in place ready for the start of the 2013 season, and are a great improvement.
French Garden Fountain
The Friends provided £5,000 to repair the fountain and pond in 2017.
The Relic Garden
The Relic Garden arose from a generous legacy left to the Friends in a member’s will. The Friends decided that the money should be used on one specific project, and the park suggested a relic garden in which to display items of statuary that were in storage. The Relic Garden was established by Park staff, led by the Head Gardener, Lee Stenning and is situated between the English and French Gardens, in the Lower Park.
Elizabeth II Knot Garden
This lovely garden situated between the House and the Barrow Centre commemorates both the Tudor origins of the estate and the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. It was designed by Lee Stenning in the form of a knot garden with pergolas and seating. The garden was created in September 2016 with the help of 16 German Horticultural students. Metalwork was commissioned from Mark Stevens, resident Blacksmith. This previously ‘lost’ area once used as a car park is in a beautiful setting matching the Earls’ Garden on the other side of the House. Alongside the garden, the remains of the original Laundry (lost in the bombing raid of 1941) have been cleared of ivy and overgrown shrubs, and a sandbagged Anderson Shelter has been installed, with an information board. The Friends funded this project to the tune of £20,000.
The Deer Garden
To mark the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the deer at Mount Edgcumbe in 2015, The Friends commissioned Head Gardener, Lee Stenning, to create a Deer Garden close to the Barrow Centre. Mark Stevens, the local blacksmith was commissioned to create two stainless steel sculptures – a buck and doe. Over the years, as the garden has matured, the postioning of the deer among the ferns and other plants has become stunning
In the House
The Friends have supported projects within Mount Edgcumbe House, by providing financial support for items such as a butler and housekeeper outfit for house staff and sets of period costumes for visitors, both young and old, to dress up in. In the drawing room the Friends have had an armchair recovered and provided a matching window seat cushion so that visitors may sit and relax for a moment during their visit.
Lambert Lodge
The Friends run an information centre and second hand book shop in the grounds of the Park. In 2018, the location was renovated to become a holiday rental property for the Park. Thanks to a legacy from Fred Lambert, one of the Park's caretakers and a long time Friend, we were able to build a new lodge next to the Orangery. Lambert Lodge was officially opened in July 2019 by Fred's nephew Richard.
Amphitheatre Clearing & Replanting
The Friends donated £8,000 in November 2019 for replanting the trees that have fallen in recent storms. This photo is one of several taken as the amphitheatre was cleared of fallen trunks (which will be used elsewhere), and a blocked path made ready for visitors.
Access Road to the Stables
The latest project to be partially funded by the Friends is the resurfacing of the access road to the Stables. For a long time this road has been an eyesore and subject to flooding when it rains. The Friends agreed to fund £20,000 towards this upgrade and as of March 2022 visitors can reap the benefit
