Sunflowers set to provide positivity for Poltimore House 

Local historic homes supporting one another to preserve Devon’s countryside attractions.

Powderham Castle will be providing everything you need to plant a seed of positivity this spring, to support the resurrection of Poltimore House. Fittingly chosen, Sunflowers are a symbol of positivity, happiness and good fortune, standing tall in adversity. 

Volunteers from both historic homes will gather to help Powderham visitors plant a sunflower pot to take away with them during half term 25 May - 2 June. Visitors will be encouraged to make a small donation which will  be added to the fundraising efforts to revive Poltimore House after it was sadly burnt down in April. 

Following the devastating fire on 9th April, the Poltimore House Trust launched the Poltimore House Emergency Fundraising Appeal to raise money to clear up the fire damage. Fundraising has reached over £9,000 so far but a lot more is required to reach the £100,000 target to help the renovation of Poltimore House and make it accessible for visitors to be welcomed back.

Derry Tydeman, Heritage Manager at Powderham Castle expressed the importance of supporting one another during times of need; “It’s vital that we help our neighbours and do what we can to ensure these historic homes that have stood for centuries are preserved and protected for future generations to experience.

“It’s a pleasure to host volunteers from Poltimore House alongside Powderham’s own team of volunteers during half term to facilitate this fundraising activity and we hope our visitors enjoy their time planting seeds of positivity which they can take home to their own gardens.”

Everyone can explore Powderham's biodiversity with the new nature backpacks, available for hire from May 27th. Each backpack includes binoculars, an activity book, an insect viewer, nets, and a magnifying glass. 

Powderham visitors are encouraged to book online in advance to avoid disappointment, general admission tickets will be required to participate in the sunflower planting. All the family are welcome, including dogs. Accessible mobility scooter available on request, visit the website for more information.

Opening times: 10am -4pm daily. 

If you’d like to donate to Poltimore House Fundraising; https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/poltimore-house-fire-appeal