CPRE visits behind the scenes at Exbury Gardens

On a bright autumn day in November, 43 members and friends of the Hampshire Branch of The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) enjoyed an afternoon visit to Exbury Gardens in the New Forest. The gardens are closed to visitors for the winter season, but Nigel Philpott, the Marketing Manager for the Exbury Estate, very kindly arranged to open the gardens to CPRE for an exclusive visit. Nigel started the afternoon by giving a brief talk on the history of Exbury, and also explaining how the family-run charity is, managed by the De Rothschild family, with "Mr Eddy", Sir Edmund de Rothschild, still involved at the age of 93.

The majority of the party then joined the Head Gardener, John Anderson, for a ninety minute walking tour of the gardens. Pam Mason, CPRE Hampshire's Administrator said:

"The tour was very informative and interactive. All the visitors were impressed with John's knowledge and sense of humour, and felt that the tour was over far too soon."

"As the temperature started to fall and the light began to fade, all the guests were welcomed into Mr Eddy's restaurant where, over a warming hot drink, they were able to look at the campaign display and then settle down to enjoy a talk by Ted Johnson OBE. Ted is President of the CPRE's New Forest District Group and also on the Board of the New Forest National Park Association."

He talked about the work of the NFNPA, and also about the issues and threats both inside and outside of the National Park area, which is now even more vulnerable with the introduction of the draft South East Plan.

Christopher Napier, Chairman of CPRE Hampshire, then gave a brief speech thanking people for coming along and supporting CPRE, and asking for help with voluntary activities across the New Forest area. After the talks ended, everyone moved into the function room for a hearty meal of local bangers and mash followed by home-made apple crumble - a fitting feast at the end of a very enjoyable day!

Photo: Autumn colours at Exbury Gardens (Credit: Exbury Gardens)

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Notes to editors

The Campaign to Protect Rural England, Hampshire Branch (CPRE Hampshire) is a registered charity and a branch of the national CPRE charity.

CPRE Hampshire strives to promote the beauty, tranquility and diversity of the countryside of Hampshire by the sustainable use of land and other resources in town and country, and encouraging the biodiversity and well-being of rural communities.

The New Forest District Group is part of the Hampshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

For membership information on CPRE, please contact:
Pam Mason, administrator, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01962 843655
Email:admin@cprehampshire.org.uk

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Keren Burney, media & communications officer, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01730 894123   Mobile: 07876 780065
Email: kburney000@aol.com