A FIVE-week walk on the South West Coast Path has inspired Jon and Helen Freemantle to open the gardens of Hartwood House, in Crowcombe Heathfield, in support of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

During their walk the couple saw first hand how the RNLI provided safety support along the Westcountry’s coast and beaches.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for charities during more than 25 years of opening the Hartwood gardens, and so they decided this year it would be appropriate to support the lifeboat charity.

Helen’s parents David and Rosemary Freemantle, who have handed over responsibility for the gardens to her, had also supported the RNLI in their early years of opening the gardens.

Many other charities have also benefited over the years, including PALS, WASPS, Crowcombe Church, a Musgrove Park Hospital scanner appeal, the Red Cross, MSF, Shelterbox, and SSAFA.

The gardens, which extend to more than two acres, with a further six acres of woodland and paddock, will be open to visitors on Sunday, May 17, from 2 pm to 5.30 pm, with £5 per person going the RNLI, and children under-15 free of charge.

Field parking is available and the gardens are suitable for wheelchairs, and dogs are welcome on leads in the garden.

The gardens have matured over the years, but became a little overgrown until rescued by Helen and Jon and rejuvenated with day-long hard work.

There is now more emphasis on sustainability and minimum use of chemicals, but the main structure remains the same with many unusual trees and shrubs.

For families, there will be garden games and a treasure hunt around the eight acres, while cream teas and homemade cakes will be available.

Plants from a local nursery will be for sale.

Hartwood House is a 10-minute walk from Crowcombe Heathfield Station and is signposted from the A358.