What's on Dartmoor Diary May 2010

All this month Catherine Forshall's vivid contemporary paintings exhibiting at the Monks Withecombe Gallery, Chagford. Telephone 01647 432854 or take a look at the Monks Withecombe Gallery website.
Saturday 1st May Lustleigh May Day celebrations. A superb day of family fun. See pictures at the top of this page. The event kicks off with a procession out of the village with the May Queen and musicians, to the church for a blessing from the rector and then into one of the village fields for maypole dancing and merriment. Refreshments, duck racing, face painting. Glorious Dartmoor entertainment. Don't miss it, it's utterly English.
Saturday 1st May – Monday 31st May 10.30 - 4.30p.m. Photographs of Dartmoor, The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor. For the second year, an exhibition by Ros Williams. Further information from 01364 621321 or email the National Trust for further information.

Saturday 1st to May 3rd part of 10 days of Music, dance, art and literary events at Tavistock. From opera to lunchtime jazz, The Hound of the Baskervilles play to organ recitals, Tavistock College Students singing and a Flash Dance Workshop, with Salsa and belly dancing thrown in. Whatever your musical tastes, Tavistock Music and Arts Festival is the place to be. There is a very good events page within the Festival website. Click to see.Saturday 1st May Tinners Fair in Chagford at St Michaels Church Church grounds and around Chagford from 10 'til 4p.m. For further information ring Rosemary Bleakman 01647 432690
Saturday 1st May Produce market on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Victory hall in Lewdown (between Moretonhampstead and Exeter) 10 to 1p.m. Stalls include Locally Baked Bread, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Poultry, Fish, Fruit, Veg, Herbs & Spices, Fresh Eggs, Tasty Local Cheese, Hand Made Fudges, Home made Preserves, Antiques + bric a brac.
Saturday 1st May at The Drewe Arms, Drewesteignton. The Bucket Boys with their very own brand of Blues, R and B bop and rural swing all the way from St Austell. Telephone 01647 281224 for further information.
Saturday 1st May to Monday 3rd May 11 - 4p.m. Buzzing Bee Trail at Castle Drogo, National Trust. Follow the bees around the garden and grounds to learn all about the wonderful world of the bee. £1.50 per child including prize. Normal admission prices apply. Take a look at the Castle website for more.
Sunday 2nd May part of 10 days of Music, dance, art and literary events at Tavistock. From opera to lunchtime jazz, The Hound of the Baskervilles play to organ recitals, Tavistock College Students singing and a Flash Dance Workshop, with Salsa and belly dancing thrown in. Whatever your musical tastes, Tavistock Music and Arts Festival is the place to be. There is a very good events page within the Festival website. Click to see.
Sunday 2nd May 12 - 3.30p.m. Woodland Explorer Fun Day at Lydford Gorge, near Okehampton. Lots of seasonal games and activities for all the family in the orchard and woodland. Suitable for children aged 5+. Normal admission charges apply. For information telephone 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further details.
Sunday 2nd May 1.30 - 5.30p.m. Heathercombe, Manaton, Devon. Visitors also welcome by appointment.30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake. Hundreds of specimen trees, wild daffodils, woodland garden, fernery, extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons, wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees, 2 attractive cottage gardens with interesting herbaceous plantings and newly-established bog/stream garden. Seats and sandy paths.
Sunday 2nd May - Monday 3rd May 2.30 - 5.30p.m. Andrew's Corner Belstone, 3 miles E of Okehampton, EX20 1RD Signed to Belstone. In village signed Skaigh. Parking restricted but cars may be left on nearby common. Home-made teas. Contact Robin & Edwina Hill Tel 01837 840332 or Email. Visitors also welcome by appointment. Admission £3, child free. Well-established, wildlife-friendly, well-labelled plantsman's garden in stunning high moorland setting. Variety of garden habitats incl woodland areas, bog garden, pond; wide range of unusual trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants for year round effect includes alpines, rhododendrons, bulbs and maples; spectacular autumn colour. Organic kitchen garden, chickens and greenhouse. Wheelchair access difficult when wet.
Monday 3rd May Jumpcross at Chagford. Exciting jumpcross course including purpose built water complex, ditches and steps, easy view for spectators, and a thrilling ride around with fantastic Dartmoor views. A well organised and safe ride for all ages and abilities. Teaching riders to ride with rhythm and balance. Young horses and young riders welcome. Course at the farm of Kathryn Northway, where livery is available. e-mail Kathryn. Telephone 01647 432089 Broadhalls Farm, Chagford. TQ13 8EH for horseboxes with sat nav !
Monday May 3rd part of 10 days of Music, dance, art and literary events at Tavistock. From opera to lunchtime jazz, The Hound of the Baskervilles play to organ recitals, Tavistock College Students singing
and a Flash Dance Workshop, with Salsa and belly dancing thrown in. Whatever your musical tastes, Tavistock Music and Arts Festival is the place to be. There is a very good events page within the Festival website. Click to see.
Wednesday 5th May 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 5th May Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 6th May 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Friday 7th May from 2.30 to 4p.m. An afternoon with well known Art Expert Eric Knowles, of the BBC Antiques Roadshow, Eric will be giving anecdotes and tales of his life with antiques. At the Methodist Church in Fore Street, Bovey Tracey. Tickets £12 or £10 for members of the Devon Guild. This promises to be a fascinating afternoon. Drinks and bickies at 4.
Friday 7th May Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park.

Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local vegetables etc.
Saturday 8th May 10- 12 Hittisleigh Market held in Hittisleigh village hall, every 2nd Saturday. There will be available produce, meat, cheese, plants, cakes, preserves etc. Contact Shirley for further information 01647 24453.
Saturday 8th May Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1p.m. Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves, enjoy the seasonal fruits this month. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 8th May 8.30 - 1p.m. Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fair trade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 8th May and Sunday 9th May 2 - 6p.m. Bovey Country Gardens, Bovey Tracey, Devon. 4 very different gardens between the picturesque town of Bovey Tracey and Dartmoor. By the river on edge of town, Parke View is a 1-acre garden with meandering stone walls leading to separate areas well stocked with many unusual shrubs and spring bulbs. On the moorland road towards Manaton is Three Corners, a classic style country garden laid out in 1930s style with croquet lawn, grass tennis court, vegetable garden and vine clad pergola. Close by is Down Park, a colourful mature garden with a great variety of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and unusual shrubs. A mile beyond at cattle grid is Holne Brake, an artist's moorland garden with woodland walks and spectacular views of Lustleigh Cleave. A blaze of colour in spring. Recent clearing of rhododendron ponticum has opened ground for planting of specimen trees.

Saturday 8th May Jumpcross at Chagford. Exciting jumpcross course including purpose built water complex, ditches and steps, easy view for spectators, and a thrilling ride around with fantastic Dartmoor views. A well organised and safe ride for all ages and abilities. Teaching riders to ride with rhythm and balance. Young horses and young riders welcome. Course at the farm of Kathryn Northway, where livery is available. e-mail Kathryn. Telephone 01647 432089 Broadhalls Farm, Chagford. TQ13 8EH for horseboxes with sat nav !
Saturday 8th May and Sunday 9th May 10 - 5p.m. Sedgewell Coach House Gardens, Olchard, Devon. Heather Jansch, world-famous sculptor, brings innovative use of recycled materials to gardening. 14 acres incl stunning driftwood sculpture, fabulous views from thrilling woodland bluebell trail down to timeless stream-bordered water meadow walk, pools, herbaceous border, medicinal herb garden. Plentiful seating, come and picnic. Light refreshments and teas. Admission £3, child free.
Sunday 9th May
Moretonhampstead Riding Club present an Open Horse Show
- a family show with classes for all. Including Jumpin, Hunters, M&M, Arabs,
Coloureds, Dartmoor hill Pony and Fun Dog Show. Taking place at Thorn Cross,
Moretonhampstead, on the B 3212 Princetown Road, starting a 9.30.a.m.
For a schedule, please send a stamped addressed envelope to :-

The Show Secretary,
Incott Farmhouse,
Samford Courtenay, EX20 2SR

Sunday 9th May 10.45a.m. Sponsored walk in aid of CLIC Sargent. Starts from Brimley Road, Bovey Tracey to Blackpool School, Liverton and return. Refreshments for walkers on return. Anyone wishing to take part, please contact Janet and Bill Walling, telephone number 01626 834126.
Sunday 9th May 12noon to 3p.m. Family Woodland Sculpture Day at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Create fabulous wooden animal sculptures using wood and basic hand tools. Suitable for children aged 7+. £2 per sculpture. Normal admission charges apply. For info 01822 820320/820441or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further info.
Sunday 9th May 10a.m. South Devon Hunt Open Hunter trial at Holwell Lawn, Widecombe, Devon (map ref.SX740783). There will be 7 classes, the cross country course is in a spectacular setting on Dartmoor with a variety of fences. There will be prizes upto 6th place and trophies for classes 3, 5 & 7. Check out their website for full class details.
Wednesday 12th May 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 12th May 8p.m. British skates and rays, an illustrated talk by Richard Hurst of the Shark Trust at the Parish Church Centre, Plymouth Road, Tavistock (next to the Bedford Hotel). £3 (including refreshments) suggested donation to Devon Wildlife Trust.
Wednesday 12th May Starting at 8.30p.m. Quiz Night at The Globe Inn in Chagford, £1 per entry, returned in prizes.
Wednesday 12th May Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 13th May 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 13th May 1 - 3p.m. Granite Quarries & Bronze Age Archaeology, Urgles Cross. A circular walk taking in the 19th century granite quarries of Dewerstone and the Bronze Age archaeology on Wigford Down. Adult £4, child £2. Meet at Urgles Cross, Grid Ref SX 535 649. Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further information.
Thursday 13th May 10 - 4p.m. Join the friends of Andrew's Wood for their monthly practical work party at Andrew's Wood nature reserve. Meet in the main car park (grid ref SX 713 520). Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and walking boots/wellies and bring a pack lunch. Tools will be provided contact Gordon Waterhouse on 01548 852570 or Jackie Gage 01392 279244.
Friday 14th May Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local vegetables etc.
Friday 14th May 6 - 9p.m. Drogo in a Different Light. Enjoy a delicious supper in our new café before having a special spring evening tour of Castle Drogo. A unique chance to see the House as a guest at a Drewe family party would have in the 1930’s. Round off this fantastic experience with a glass of bubbly while watching the sun set on the Castle roof (weather permitting) £20 per person. Booking essential on (01647) 434144. Take a look at the Castle website for more.
Saturday 15th May 10 - 3p.m. A day of activity for the whole family including a cave visit, short walk, a talk about bats, making bat boxes and much more. This event is free, please bring a picnic. Meeting at the Cave Centre in Buckfast adjacent to Higher Kiln Quarry DWT nature reserve. Booking essential due to car parking, Tel: 01392 279244.
Saturday 15th May 9 'til 1p.m Okehampton farmers market has over 20 stalls in the centre of town on the third Saturday of each month. When the weather is right, there is a fresh fish stall, and every week you can buy locally produced meat, free range chicken, venison, bread and cider along with vegetables, herbs and yogurt. Contact Ruth Kelsey 01837 811762 for any more info. Okehampton Market website should you wish to see more information.
Saturday 15th May Devon Wildlife Trust Spring walks Bovey Valley Clay Pits. Visit details from Malcolm Billige, telephone 01626 833620.
Saturday 15th May 1 - 3p.m. Living in Plymbridge Woods, nr Plymouth. A guided walk looking at life in the valley from the late 19th to mid 20th century, using photographs and personal recollections. Adult £4, child £2 children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential (Mon to Fri only) on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further information.
Sunday 16th May 5a.m. Dawn Chorus, at Yarner Wood park on Trendlebere Down, above Yarner Wood on the Manaton Road (grid ref SX 784 794). Wear stout footwear and bring a picnic breakfast (optional). Contact 01752 892555 for further details. Suggested donation of £2 per adult.
Sunday 16th May 11 - 4p.m. Hotel Endsleigh at Milton Abbot, Tavistock, PL19 0PQ. Mature arboretum and the longest border in England, with streams, waterfalls and rock garden. Rhododendrons and tress all overlooking stunning views of the River Tamar. Guided walk starts at 10.45 sorry not suitable for wheelchairs as steps on all walks. Lunches from 12.30 to 2.30 £10 per person with afternoon teas from 3.30p.m. onwards. Cakes, scones, sandwichs from £10 per person, reservations if you wish on 01822 870000. Admission to garden adult £5, OAP £3, children under 16 free.
Sunday 16th May 1.30 - 5.30p.m. Heathercombe, Manaton, Devon.30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake, hundreds of specimen trees, wild daffodils, woodland garden and fernery, extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons, wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees, 2 attractive cottage gardens with interesting herbaceous plantings and newly-established bog/stream garden. Seats and sandy paths.
Sunday 16th May 2 - 6p.m. The Stannary, Mary Tavey, Tavistock, Devon. Informal 2-acre country garden with magnificent views of Dartmoor, situated behind C16 and Victorian house, once tin miner's shop. 900ft above sea level, gardening here is a challenge. Originally a field, the planting is naturalistic and abundant, with areas for wildlife incl ponds and meadow. Vintage car and caravan. Visitors also welcome by appointment minimum 10, single coach possible. Refreshment cream teas. Admission £3.50, child free.
Sunday 16th May 2 - 5p.m. Southcombe Gardens Dartmoor,Widecombe-in-the Moor, Devon. Village famous for its Fair, Uncle Tom Cobley and its C14 church - the 'Cathedral of the Moor'. Featured in RHS 'The Garden'. Southcombe Barn: 3-acre woodland garden with exotic and native trees between long lawn and rocky stream. Clearings blaze with wild flowers and survivor garden flowers. Meadow in recently-cleared area. Southcombe House: 5 acres, SE-facing garden, arboretum and wild flower meadow with bulbs in spring and four orchid species (early purple, southern marsh, common spotted and greater butterfly). On steep slope at 900ft above sea level with fine views
to nearby tors. Refreshments including home-made teas. Combined admission £4, children free.
Tuesday 18th May Manaton Market third Tuesday of the month, where you can buy lots of local goods including cakes, puddings and pies, honey, fresh eggs, cheese, meat from local farms, pork, lamb, bacon, even locally made fudge. Get yourselves along to the Parish Hall to find all these goodies. From 10.30 to 12.30. Contact Mrs. Christina Everett on 01647 221302 for further details.
Tuesday 18th May 11 'til 4p.m. Celtic Illumination Workshop at Castle Drogo with Judith Richardson-Dawes A Celtic Feast of Praise! How did Brother Eadfrith set about creating the Lindisfarne Gospels? Find out more in this magnificent Celtic Illumination Workshop and then create and Illuminate a Celtic capital letter of your own name in fine gold. For all abilities. Includes coffee and lunch as well as tuition. £30 per person including light lunch, £25 without. Booking essential on (01647) 434144 or Take a look at the Castle website for more.
Wednesday 19th May 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 19th May Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. 01364 652402 for further info.
Thursday 20th May 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 20th, 21st & 22nd May Devon County Show held at Westpoint, children go free on Saturday. Starting nice on early on Thursday morning at 7.30 am with the Ridden Hunter classes in the showring. Lots to see parade of hounds, display of vintage tractors, Jonathan Marshall Falconery on horseback, HM band of the Royal Marines, Sheep judging, Pig judging, grand Live stock parade, Dartmoor ponies class, Diary breeds champions, even a Spring Sausage competition in the Pig judging marquee. Show jumping, miniature Shetland ponies, Donkies, Alpaca's, Westcountry food and drink. A flower and garden show, dog show and Axe racing! Steam Engines and Vintage machinery, Clay Pigeon shooting, Terrier racing, Devon Dogs Agility, Tug of War on Saturday, Heavy Horse demonstrations, Sheep shearing demonstrations, Clog dancing, fun fair, Pigeons, Poultry and Rabbits, Westcountry crafts. In fact massives of things to do for the whole family.
Friday 21st May Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local veg etc.
Saturday 22nd May 11 - 4.30p.m. Vintage Motorcycle Rally, Finch Foundry, nr Okehampton. A free display of some of the best vintage motorcycles in the area. Normal admission charges apply. Info 01837 840046 or email the National Trust at Finch Foundry for further details.
Saturday 22nd May Jumpcross at Chagford. Exciting jumpcross course including purpose built water complex, ditches and steps, easy view for spectators, and a thrilling ride around with fantastic Dartmoor views. A well organised and safe ride for all ages and abilities. Teaching riders to ride with rhythm and balance. Young horses and young riders welcome. Course at the farm of Kathryn Northway, where livery is available. e-mail Kathryn. Telephone 01647 432089 Broadhalls Farm, Chagford. TQ13 8EH for horseboxes with sat nav !
Saturday 22nd May Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1 Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves, enjoy the seasonal fruits this month. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 22nd May Village Market usually the 4th Saturday of the month 9.30 to 3.00.The market is held in the Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, owned by The National Trust. With a wide range of produce, from olives, olive oil to locally grown vegetables and plants. Cheeses, apple juice, honey, home made bread, cakes, jams, chutneys, beef, lamb and pork from local Widecombe-in-the-Moor farms. Contact Diana Cameron or Richard Holmes on 01364 621218. See Widecombe market's website for more information.
Saturday 22nd May 8.30-1p.m. Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 22nd May 10-12 & 2p.m. - 4p.m. Boilers Ain’t Boring Find out why on this quirky tour of Castle Drogo’s heating system! Descend into the bowels of the Castle with a visit to the now obsolete oil fired boilers. Then climb onto the roof to see the magnificent view of the Teign Valley that will soon be providing our heating fuel. You will also take a trip to our new environmentally friendly biomass boiler where you can discover what biomass is and see the boiler in action. A unique opportunity to take a peek at the inner workings of Castle Drogo! Please note this tour includes many stairs over many levels. Not suitable for children under 12. £5 per person and £2.50 for children under 16. Booking essential on 01647 433306.Take a look at the Castle website for more.
Saturday 22nd May 2 - 5p.m. and Sunday 23rd May 11 - 5 Heather Cottage, Chagford. Heather Cottage nestles deep in the heart of Dartmoor National Park near Kestor. The natural granite bolder-strewn garden is centred around small lake with free flowing stream which meanders through the garden attracting many species of wild life. Glorious colours in late spring. Refreshments, cream teas and light refreshments. Admission £3.50, children free.
Sunday 23rd May 1.30 - 5.30p.m. Heathercombe, Manaton, Devon, garden open for charity. Visitors also welcome by appointment.30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake; hundreds of specimen trees; wild daffodils; woodland garden and fernery. Extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons. Wild flower meadow in an orchard of West Country fruit trees. Further NGS Devon information
Tuesday 25th May 9p.m. - 11p.m. Nightjar Walk, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. The Nightjar flies at night. Come with us on a walk in the woods to hear and see this shy but amazing bird. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further info.
Wednesday 26th May 9 - 1p.m. Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 26th May Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information, check out Jills food review.
Wednesday 26th May Why not try the Open Mike night at The Globe Inn Chagford, starting at 9p.m. Everyone welcome to 'give it a go'. Parking in the town car park.
Thursday 27th May 9 - 1p.m. Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 27th May 9p.m. - 11p.m. Nightjar Walk, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. Come with us on a walk in the woods to hear and see this shy but amazing bird. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further info.
Friday 28th May Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. Homemade cakes, chutneys, local vegetables and plants for the garden. Car park adjacent.
Friday 28th May to Sunday 30th May Ashburton Blues Festival Main headliner to be announced at the end of February. Here are a few bands who will be playing Mike Sanchez and his Big Band!! Headline Sunday, Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band! Headline Friday, just to name a few. Contact Mike Cranmer on 07855 307556 or check out the Ashburton Blues Festival website for further information.
Saturday 29th May Whiddon Down Produce Market is held every 4th Saturday of the month in the Village Hall. Vegetables, summer fruits, lots of jams and chutneys in season. Pies and home made cakes.
Saturday 29th May to Monday 31st May 2 - 6p.m. Moretonhampstead Gardens, Sutton Mead & Mardon in Devon. Two substantial gardens in one group opening offering complementary styles. In the centre of Devon, close to the edge of Dartmoor. Superb walking country, dogs on leads welcome. Mardon: spacious and well-maintained 4-acre garden surrounding Edwardian house (not open) in small Dartmoor coombe. Formal terraces leading from rose garden to large lawn with long herbaceous border and wild flowers. Extensive rhododendron and hydrangea planting. Woodland walk along stream leading to fernery and pond with thatched boathouse. Productive vegetable garden. Wild meadow orchard. New agapanthus border. Sutton Mead: 3½-acre garden of contrasts on gently-sloping hillside. Woodland of mature and recent plantings and rill fed round pond. Potager vegetable garden with unusual concrete greenhouse. Granite walls mingling with imaginative planting of trees and shrubs. Croquet lawn, rhododendrons, azaleas and many varieties of hydrangea. Spring-fed ponds with granite seat at water’s edge. Colourful bog garden and orchard. Fine views of Dartmoor from all corners of garden. Combined admission fee of £4, children free. Refreshments ? What else but Cream teas. Further NGS Devon information is available on the website.
Saturday 29th May 9 - 11a.m. Flag day at Bovey Tracey, contact Malcolm Billinge on 01626 833620 if you would like to help.
Saturday 29th May 10 - 4p.m. Nature’s Remedies at Lydford Gorge (National Trust), near Okehampton. Make your own insect repellent and learn about medicinal herb remedies with a trained herbalist. £5 per person. Booking essential. Telephone 01822 820320 /820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further details.
Saturday 29th May & Sunday 30th May From 1.30 -5.30p.m.
Heathercombe at Manaton on Dartmoor in Devon. Visitors also welcome by appointment. 30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake, hundreds of great specimen trees, wild daffodils, woodland garden, fernery, extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of colourful rhododendrons, wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees, 2 attractive cottage gardens with interesting herbaceous plantings and newly established bog and stream garden. Seats and sandy paths. Further NGS information
Saturday 29th May and Sunday 6th June 11 - 4p.m. Food Glorious Food at Castle Drogo. Grow your Own Food Trail.
Follow the clues around the garden and grounds and learn about food that you can easily grow yourself. £1.50 per child including prize. Normal admission prices apply. Take a look at the Castle website for more.
Sunday 30th May Tavistock Garden Festival at Tavistock Pannier Market in the centre of town. From 10 –4pm. With free entry for all ages. Spring into Summer at Tavistock's 6th Garden Festival. Quality plants to tempt you along with a wealth of horticultural wisdom. Whatever your planting passions, there will certainly be a plant or two to suit every gardener's pocket ! Refreshments available too.
Sunday 30th May 12 - 3.30p.m. Woodland Explorer Fun Day at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Lots of seasonal games and activities for all the family in the orchard and woodland. Suitable for children aged 5+. Normal admission charges apply. For information tel: 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further info.
Sunday 30th May 12 - 3p.m. Early Summer Tipple and Taste. Come sample some glorious local produce in our shop and kick start the summer at Castle Drogo.The Castle Drogo website for more information.
Sunday 30th May to Monday 31st May 2 - 5p.m. Southcombe Gardens, Dartmoor Widecombe-in-the Moor. Village famous for its Fair, Uncle Tom Cobley and its C14 church - the 'Cathedral of the Moor'. Featured in RHS 'The Garden'. Southcombe Barn: 3-acre woodland garden with exotic and native trees between long lawn and rocky stream. Clearings blaze with wild flowers and survivor garden flowers. Meadow in recently-cleared area. Southcombe House: 5 acres, SE-facing garden, arboretum and wild flower meadow with bulbs in spring and four orchid species (early purple, southern marsh, common spotted and greater butterfly). On steep slope at 900ft above sea level with fine views to nearby tors. Home made teas. Combined admission £4, child free.
Sunday 30th May Starting at 8p.m. Last Sunday Folk. Plymouth Inn, Okehampton. An evening of folk song and music hosted by professional artists from folk arts development charity Wren Music, with guest artists, but mainly featuring YOU! All singers and musicians are welcome, or just come along and enjoy the evening if you do not play or sing. Cost Free – collection and raffle. For more information on the Wren Music website. Contact Wren Music 01837 53754.