SHOBROOKE Park Gardens will open on Saturday, April 27, from 2pm to 5pm by kind permission of Jack and Clare Shelley in support of the Holy Cross Crediton Campaign Roof Appeal.

Many residents of Crediton will be familiar with Shobrooke Park and its lakes which are well known for the cricket ground, fishing, bird watching and as a welcome green space right on Crediton’s door step.

This is an opportunity to visit the gardens not normally open to the general public.

Shobrooke Park Gardens were originally laid out by Henry Hippisley Tuckfield in about 1845 as the garden for his new house and to compliment the Park.

The house was destroyed by fire in 1945 while being used by a school evacuated from London.

The garden was then neglected until 1968 when John and Dorothy Shelley moved back to Devon and started clearance work. John and Dorothy had the modern bungalow built in 1981 and they continued the to reclaim the garden.

Jack and Clare Shelley, the current owners, moved into the bungalow in 1992 and set about replanting the garden.

The Debois Landscape Group did a historical survey of the park and the garden and the restoration work since has been based on their recommendations.

The garden gives views across Shobrooke Park, the opportunity to visit the top lake of three and the chance to see magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, bluebells and other spring flowers.

Teas will be available during the Open Garden event in the central courtyard. Admission is adult £5 and children free.

Access is from the A3072 by the Lodge House part way up Park Hill if travelling from Crediton.

Intending visitors should be aware the garden is unsuitable for those with mobility issues, only assistance dogs are allowed. Last admission is at 4.30pm.

Enquiries can be made to 01363 772865.

The Campaign Roof Appeal has currently raised £114,000.00.