Our work in the Garden in the Wood at Knightshayes

Restoring the Garden in the Wood at Knightshayes

The Garden in the Wood is a rare example of a botanical garden laid out in such a woodland setting, making it a truly special place to explore. Originally created by Lady Joyce and Sir John Heathcoat-Amory after the Second World War, it was designed to showcase rare and unusual plants cultivated on the estate, nestled among dappled glades and winding paths.

Now, this hidden treasure is undergoing a pioneering restoration, one that’s not only reviving its horticultural legacy but also revealing long-forgotten secrets beneath the soil.

A garden reimagined

Led by Senior Gardener John Ridgeley, the Knightshayes team is breathing new life into the Garden in the Wood using sustainable techniques and a deep respect for its history. The project is part of the National Trust’s People and Nature Thriving strategy, which aims to restore nature, inspire care for special places, and make beauty and history accessible to all.

One of the most innovative aspects of the restoration is the replacement of degraded peat blocks, once used to raise terraced beds, with eco-friendly cob blocks, made from straw, clay, and water. These blocks, more commonly used in vegetable gardening, are being trialled here as a bespoke solution for terracing in a woodland setting.

“We’re rolling on with it,” says John. “It’s great to have an experiment and work out what works best and then be able to share that knowledge for anyone else doing something similar.”

Unearthing the past

As the team digs new beds and clears overgrown areas, they’re uncovering more than just soil, they’re rediscovering the original layout of the garden. Forgotten paths are being revealed, offering glimpses into how the Amory’s once envisioned the space. In one particularly exciting moment, an unusual orchid was found growing quietly beneath a thicket of ‘thuggish’ plants, its delicate form a reminder of the garden’s rich provenance from almost 100 years ago.

Powered by passion

The restoration is being driven not only by staff but also by a growing team of volunteers. “This is a tailor-made opportunity for someone who wants to learn about plants,” says John. “It’s not just weeding—it’s planting, maintaining, watering, feeding, mulching, pruning. All sorts of stuff.”

 What began with no dedicated volunteers has grown into a committed group of eight regulars, all eager to learn and contribute. A volunteer group from Exeter University has also played a key role, clearing ivy, Lamium, and wood sedge to prepare the ground for replanting.

Between January and June 2025, the team focused on planting along the newly developed Church Path, revitalising the nursery with new cold frames for seed sowing, and using a powered water bowser and trailer to support irrigation during dry spells.

A garden for all seasons

The Garden in the Wood is designed to offer interest from early spring through to autumn, with collections of magnolia, rhododendron, unusual trees and shrubs, bulbs and herbaceous plants. Its woodland setting creates a unique atmosphere, intimate, shaded, and full of surprises.

“I’m working on my favourite part of my favourite garden,” says John. “And I’ve gardened a few and I’ve visited a lot, so I’m allowed to say that! I’m loving it.”

As the restoration continues, visitors will be able to witness the transformation firsthand, watching as rare plants return, sustainable materials take root, and a historic garden is rediscovered.