The Friends of Glen Goyle have been somewhat busy over the summer – from welcoming visitors and collaborating with other like-minded groups, to sorting ‘street furniture’ and successfully applying for (very generous) funding.
VISITATIONS:
The various groups and organisations who have visited the Glen over the last couple of months seemed to like what they were shown.
First were the prestigious Sampson Society in late June, whose founder Sylvia Brownlee worked with FOGG to put together a programme, starting with 30 members of the Society and ten from FOGG at the ‘upper’ Glen, owned by EDDC and managed by FOGG, and ending up in the grounds of the ‘lower’ Glen which runs through the grounds of the Belmont Hotel.
The two groups had a lovely time together discussing the history of Glen Goyle and the nearby buildings created by Sampson – with more here on the Sampson Society’s visit to Glen Goyle.
Some glorious photos by Stephen Jellyman, chair of the Sampson Society, reproduced with permission:
Then in mid July the Goyle was paid a visit by the judges of Britain in Bloom, with the FOGG project once again being entered for an ‘In Your Neighbourhood’ award, as well as this year for the RHS ‘Parks and Gardens’ category.
We’ll have to await the judges’ decision of course, but FOGG member John McGregor felt “they seemed very impressed with all that’s happening in Glen Goyle” as his weekly report on 11th July 2024 shows.
Finally, on the same morning, the Glen appreciated a visit from Katie Wilkinson, Wilder Communities Team Leader at the Devon Wildlife Trust.
Katie exchanged ideas with council horticulturalist Paul Fealey on wildlife-friendly plantings at other sites as well as Glen Goyle – as the DWT is keen to work in partnership with the local authority. With more on the Devon Wildlife Trust’s visit to “the wonderful Glen Goyle”.
HERITAGE:
As well as the Sampson and Belmont connections, Glen Goyle has other interesting historical ties. There was yet another visit in June – from the Bassett family who are very much associated with the parkland, which at one time was the garden to the former Asherton House. There’s a lot more on those connections in a recent tour of Asherton Gardens and more on the history of one distinct corner of the Glen, aka The ‘Near’ and ‘Far’ Lawns at Glen Goyle.
Here’s a photograph taken by ‘Uncle Arthur’ (courtesy of the Bassett/Cohen family) looking over the brook towards the ‘Far Lawn’ from the House. The Japanese Maple stands as a grand specimen in today’s Glen Goyle.
STREET FURNITURE:
There have been a few gaps along the Glen where once upon a time there were benches – and after research into possible ‘suitable’ replacements, the District Council has installed two new benches, made from UK recycled plastic waste, but with a smart, traditional look for these Victorian gardens. Very snug, as you can see:
FUNDING:
John McGregor has also been busy with applying for further investment for the Glen – and his work has paid off. A local charitable trust has now provided a very generous grant for new plants – which the FOGG working party will be digging in over the coming months as we re-enter the planting season.
INTO THE AUTUMN:
There should be plenty of activity happening along the Glen over the coming months as volunteers continue to enhance the wildlife of a very special place – “the wonderful Glen Goyle” as Katie called it.
Anyone can join Friends of Glen Goyle to volunteer on Thursday mornings as part of the enthusiastic and welcoming working party: https://glen-goyle.vgsidmouth.co.uk/contact-us
As always, there’s more news on the Glen Goyle Gossip pages of the website.
And, as always, you are more than welcome to gently stroll through the dapple. As one recent visitor exclaimed: “It’s so relaxing” along the Glen!
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