A HISTORIC garden near Ipplepen will open its gates to the public this month, raising funds for charity while offering visitors the chance to explore a unique piece of local heritage.

The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook will open on August 22 in support of ELM Wildlife, with visitors invited to discover the gardens at their own pace and see the restoration work being carried out by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Created in 1912 for Arthur Smith Graham, the garden features a collection of unusual structures, including a long pergola, summit observatory, swimming and plunge pools, rills, walkways and a tennis court.

After being reclaimed by nature, the garden is now being carefully restored with support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Refreshments, homemade cakes and a plant stall will be available on the day, with no booking required.

The garden will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Great Ambrook Avenue, Ipplepen, TQ12 5UL.

Admission costs £6 for adults and £1 for children, with well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.

No booking is required.

ELM Wildlife described the garden as ‘a very magical place’ and ‘a place to calm your soul’.