Disability charity Minstead Trust launches oak tree fundraiser to celebrate 100th anniversary

A CHARITY which supports people with learning disabilities is offering the public the chance to buy one of 100 oak trees to mark the centenary of a garden it owns.

Minstead Trust, which supports around 200 people to achieve greater independence, runs Furzey Gardens as a social enterprise.

The 10-acre site provides training and work experience opportunities through maintenance of the gardens, raising plants in the nursery and serving in the tea rooms.

The gardens were first planted by the Dalrymple family as an informal woodland garden in 1922. They contain botanically and historically significant plant collections from around the world with a wide range of trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials, such as Acers, Rhododendrons and Primulas.

To commemorate its centenary the trust is inviting the public to donate to its Special Years Appeal, which aims to raise £500,000. So far the charity has raised over £110,000 for the appeal.

The fundraising campaign includes the opportunity to be one of 100 oak tree sponsors, as well as bidding on quality items and experiences including hotel stays, local art and pottery classes in the trust’s online auction.

The charity is also holding a raffle, with a top prize of £1,000 cash, and people are being asked to share their memories of the gardens to an online memory wall.

Director of development, Dawn Wood, said: “We want to mark 100 years of Furzey Gardens by continuing to give back to the people who benefit from it.

“Not only does it provide great work and training opportunities for people with learning disabilities but it’s a beautiful place of escape for so many people.

“We want to ensure its future is secured for those who need it and love it.”

To donate or for more information about the Special Years Appeal, visit www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/furzey-gardens/special-years