Heritage funding boost enables Great Comp garden to provide a place for wellbeing during covid pandemic
Great Comp Garden near Sevenoaks has received nearly £50,000 in National Lottery support to help address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on heritage work and to continue to offer a horticultural space that helps promote wellbeing.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown began Great Comp Garden, like others in the gardens-to-visit industry, has seen its income hit by not being able to host events or receive overseas visitors.
William Dyson, curator at Great Comp Garden said: “Thanks to the National Lottery we can now feel more confident about continuing on with our heritage plans. We’re grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting us at this crucial time – along with local visitors who have enjoyed meeting safely in the garden. We can’t thank them enough for their support.
“It costs approximately £200,000 each year to maintain Great Comp Garden, and keep it looking so beautiful. Money from the entrance fees, tearoom income and donations goes directly to the upkeep and development of the garden, buildings and facilities. Every penny received is ploughed back into the upkeep and development of the legacy left by Roderick and Joy Cameron.”
The funding was awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund. £50million was made available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector.
Great Comp Garden in Platt is a 7-acre garden best described as a paradise for plant lovers and a horticultural gem. Dedicated to promoting horticulture and wellbeing, the garden was open seven days a week from March to October and is now open to visitors from Thursdays to Saturdays in November.
