Storm Burt causes devastating damage to Dartmoor nursery

Stone Lane Gardens, a 5-acre woodland garden located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, has suffered significant damage due to a heavy snowstorm on Thursday, 21 November, followed by strong winds from Storm Burt on the weekend of 23-24 November. The storm caused severe destruction, particularly to the garden's National Collection of Birch and Alder trees, leading the charity responsible for maintaining the garden to appeal for public help.

The charity managing Stone Lane Gardens reported that the damage from the storm was “unprecedented” and described it as the worst in the 50 years since the garden’s creation. Staff are currently working to clear debris and assess the full extent of the destruction.

“As we started to assess the damage and begin the clear-up, Storm Bert's gale force winds brought several more trees crashing to the ground and deposited debris all over the garden. It was a horrible and heart-breaking sight. The Garden has had to be closed while we start the depressing task of removing the masses of debris and making the area safe,” the charity said.

“Our trees have been wild-collected from all over the world, many of them rarely seen in the UK, and after years of nurture, a few days of storms has simply left them in pieces. Visitors come from far and wide to experience our peaceful and spiritual woodland garden, and we are left devastated by the task of clearing up the damage and replanting for the future,” they explained.

To help with restoration, the charity has launched a crowdfunding campaign with a target of £8,000. 

The funds raised will go toward repairing the damage, clearing debris, and replanting trees. The charity has acknowledged that the timing of the damage, amidst challenging economic conditions, has made the situation even more difficult, as funds are being diverted from other activities to pay for repairs.

“Please consider making a donation to our appeal, so that we can ensure our garden can continue to flourish and once again be a beautiful space for old and young to enjoy,” the charity said.

The charity is encouraging anyone who is able to contribute to visit their crowdfunding page and support the restoration effort.

You can support here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/devon-garden-devastated-by-storm-bert