TOTNES GARDEN TRAIL

Three new open spaces in Totnes centre, linked by Leechwell Lane; all on formerly unused or derelict sites and created by community groups and local trusts in partnership with South Hams District Council.

Starting at the Civic Market Square and across South Street is the first new garden…

1. HEATH’S GARDEN (Totnes Preservation Trust & Wakefield Trust)

item7

A more formal gateway between the town centre and the main car parks, it provides an attractive walkway with green space, trees and benches and features murals by local schoolchildren on the history of the site as part of Totnes’ former market garden. A large oak structure offers seating.

Steps lead into the medieval Leechwell Lane.
item9

2. LEECHWELL GARDEN
(Leechwell Garden Association & Totnes Development Trust)

After crossing the link road, Leechwell Lane leads to the side entrance of Leechwell Garden, on the site of an ancient orchard, with its sunny herb garden, pergola, wide expanse of lawn, a series of rock pools and a large play structure for 5-12 year olds.

Public art will be installed in the summer and, preparations are under way to improve the scheduled immersion pool and its surrounds (currently fenced off) and for the Leech Well itself, the source of the water in the pool and stream. The Well, with its three troughs, reputedly one of the most Holy Wells in Devon, can be found further along Leechwell Lane, up and towards the newest garden.
item13

3. THE LAMB GARDEN (Totnes Development Trust)

This small site’s name is from its original use as part of Totnes’ sheep market and the listed building is the former Auctioneer’s Office. Now it is the information and demonstration hub for the Totnes Healthy Futures project, which links community food growing with national health initiatives for healthy living. There are raised vegetable and herb beds, new benches and lawn and a small fruit area to demonstrate the principles of ‘Forest Gardening’.

From here, through Rotherford, you can walk to the top end of town, along the Narrows and back towards the High Street.

item14

For further information, please look at our websites:
www.leechwellgarden.org.uk and www.totnesdevelopmenttrust.org.uk
or email Catherine at info.totneshealthyfutures@gmail.com

© Sue Holmes, 2011.

Return to News