We're supporting the start-up of a volunteer group which will help maintain the gardens at Oldway Mansion.

Community engagement coordinator, Tim Eley, is spearheading the initiative and is putting a call out for volunteers to form the Oldway Gardens Group. The first meeting is taking place today.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Darren Cowell, said: “Significant steps have been made towards securing the future of Oldway Mansion and grounds by the formation of The Oldway Trust.

“The Oldway Gardens Group is complementary to the work of the Trust and is a welcome addition. It is a great opportunity to make a difference to these beautiful gardens. We understand how important it is to work with the communities of Torbay to benefit our local assets.”

Tim Eley said: “If you would like to be part of the new community volunteer gardening group please come along to Oldway on Sunday 22 September between 10am and noon or Monday 23 September between 10am and noon or 6pm and 7pm to register your interest in becoming a volunteer.

“We will be looking for volunteers with all types of skills and interests that cover a wide range of activities.

“Please be aware that in order to restore and maintain the Grade II listed gardens it will be necessary to restrict all dogs apart from guide dogs from the listed area where the low box hedging is. Dogs will still be welcome to exercise on the rest of Oldway’s extensive gardens.”

Volunteer activities include: General maintenance, weeding, planting, pruning, hedge cutting, path raking, grass cutting, edging, litter picking, raking leaves, IT & web design, painting, carpentry, builder, electrician, tree surgeon, landscaper, conservation, fundraiser, wildlife, tea.

If you are unable to make it to one of the organised sessions at Oldway to register your interest as a volunteer, details of who to contact will be announced in due course following the Oldway Gardens Group first meeting.

Further Information

Following the expansion of the The Oldway Working Party to incorporate all interested parties, a decision has been taken to establish The Oldway Trust and will shortly be registered with the Charity Commission. We have also agreed a Memorandum of Understanding which shows its support for the Trust and the future direction of the Oldway Estate.