“My spelling is wobbly. It’s good spelling but it wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places.”
― Winnie-the-Pooh
In May 2022, the owners of the farm opened these historic gardens to the public for a limited time. A statue of A.A. Milne’s son, Christopher Robin, overlooks the gardens while Owl can be found nestled within the herbaceous borders. A unique sundial, with carved, iconic Pooh characters, stands proudly on the lawn. There are also some stunning rhododendrons!
All profits went to The Ashdown Forest Foundation who work to care for the spectacular Ashdown Forest landscape. Ashdown Forest CEO James Adler described it as an incredible opportunity to view where some of the most famous children’s stories began.
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
James says this was an important fundraiser for the Forest. He said: “We are working hard to secure the long-term future of Ashdown Forest. The Forest welcomes over 1.5 million visits a year and looking after the area and so many people requires a great deal of funding. That is why we were delighted when the owners of Cotchford Farm approached us to offer opening their gardens to raise funds for the Forest.”
“The Winnie-the-Pooh stories, and therefore Cotchford Farm, hold a special place in so many peoples’ hearts. The gardens and the nearby Ashdown Forest embody the magic of the stories.”
“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”
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