Exmoor National Park was designated in 1954 to protect its natural beauty, especially its open and wild moorlands. Who would have thought that only 130 years before, serious attempts were made to drain the bogs and plough up the moors?
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Exmoor National Park has a hidden secret, a mansion that was never completed, a garden that was lost and a community that was started only 200 years ago.
In what people know to be Exmoor today, lies the small village of Simonsbath. Until 1820 it had just one house, but then change happened, a vision was created and a barren landscape became a hive of activity. This website tells it's story; the story of a landscape changed, a family's fortune and loss and of one man's vision. It also talks about the present situation and of its possible future. Please read on to find out this fascinating tale of Gregorian passion, Victorian industrialisation and 21st Century hopes. |
Latest Event News:
Saturday 23rd August 2019
Exford and Simonsbath Flower Show is on Saturday 23rd August at 2pm on the village green. A stand will be there with information about the Simonsbath and Exmoor Heritage Trust and Ashcombe Gardens.
Monday 16th Sept 2019
Heritage Open Day for White Rock Cottage and Ashcombe Gardens - a chance to look around the cottage and see the work that has been going on since the spring. Also take a tour of the latest volunteer work in the Ashcombe Gardens. No booking necessary but come prepared for a building site and a muddy garden path or two!
Past Events...
National Park Big Picnic
Wednesday 17th July 2019
National Park Big Picnic celebrating 70 years of National Parks was held in Simonsbath and was attended by TRHs The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall
TRHs The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall talking to Steven Pugsley - Chair of the Simonsbath Steering Group about the Simonsbath and Exmoor Trust and the Ashcombe Garden Project.
HRH discussing ferns with Charlotte Hornsby - Volunteer of Ashcombe Garden Project.
HRH meeting staff and volunteers of the ENPA many of who work on the Ashcombe Gardens.
BBC1 Countryfile National Parks programme Sunday 7th April 2019
John Knight's Ashcombe Gardens in Simonsbath were on BBC1 Countryfile. The lovely Margherita Taylor was shown around the garden by Rob Wilson-North and also talked to volunteers who were planting yew and box on a steep slope.
Coffee Morning at St Luke's Simonsbath,
Saturday 6th April 2019
Coffee Morning held at St Like's Church, Simonsbath to keep local residents and visitors up to date with the latest news about the White Rock Cottage, School and Ashcombe Gardens.
Simonsbath Sparkle
Saturday 10th November 2018
Ashcombe Plantation, Simonsbath.
A lovely event was held in Ashcombe Gardens, Simonsbath to celebrate the Autumn Season around a bonfire. Fire was lit at 6pm and all who came enjoyed hot food, tea and coffee and sparklers. The event was held in conjunction with The Simonsbath Steering Group, The Exmoor Parish Council and ENPA
In Search of John Knight's Lost Gardens
at Simonsbath
Open Day
Wednesday 27th June 2018
10am-1pm
This was a chance to see archaeological excavations in progress - led by South West Archaeology with local volunteers - searching for elements of John Knight's lost gardens which he laid out in the 1820's to ornament his planned mansion.
In Search of John Knight's Lost Gardens
at Simonsbath
Open Day
Wednesday 27th June 2018
10am-1pm
This was a chance to see archaeological excavations in progress - led by South West Archaeology with local volunteers - searching for elements of John Knight's lost gardens which he laid out in the 1820's to ornament his planned mansion.
If you are interested in finding out more about any past of future events then please get in touch via email at: exmoor1820@gmail.com
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