About Us

We are a conservation charity working to protect the county's many historic parks and gardens for future generations.

Conservation. Charity. Research.

We work with garden owners and local and national bodies to highlight, protect and encourage the conservation and restoration of designed landscapes, ranging from stately homes to public parks, cottage gardens to cemeteries. Principally funded by over 500 members, we run visits, lectures and events where members can share their interest and knowledge in a sociable atmosphere.

Through its research and recording programme, the Trust undertakes and supports research on sites of historic interest, including sites that the Trust has rediscovered, as well as on other related topics. We publish an annual journal which contains articles about all aspects of garden history,  and also a monthly newsletter which is emailed or can be read online.   The Trust carries out a busy schedule working with Dorset primary schools to teach gardening skills, impart knowledge, and support school projects with small grants.   We hope this will inspire our gardeners of the future.

The County Gardens Trusts were started in 1989 to promote the conservation of historic parks and gardens, Dorset being one of the first. We run a full programme of garden visits.