We are extremely lucky to be invited to see Upper Sydling House since it is not usually open to the public. It is set in wonderful chalk downland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Coopers moved in to the Grade II Brick and Flint farm house in 2005, having renovated the house and garden .
Initially Simon Johnson helped with all the hard landscaping, the garden layout and planting. In 2011 Isabel and Julian Bannerman designed the next phase . The garden now has a walled garden for cutting flowers and kitchen produce. A courtyard garden, the topiary and herbaceous garden, an orchard and a gravel garden. They have collected over 100 different varieties of roses.
Picnics are not permitted but there are local pubs such as The Greyhound at Sydling St Nicholas or The New Inn at Cerne Abbas
We are a conservation charity working to protect the county's many historic parks and gardens for future generations.
We work with garden owners and local and national bodies to highlight, protect and encourage the conservation and restoration of designed landscapes, ranging from stately homes to public parks, cottage gardens to cemeteries. Principally funded by over 500 members, we run visits, lectures and events where members can share their interest and knowledge in a sociable atmosphere.
Through its research and recording programme, the Trust undertakes and supports research on sites of historic interest, including sites that the Trust has rediscovered, as well as on other related topics. We share knowledge through our Journal and also seek to inspire the gardeners of the future through imaginative projects with schools.