VISUALLY impaired gardeners are invited to take part in the restoration of a hidden early Victorian walled garden at Teignmouth.

For most of the last decade, the garden in the grounds of Teignmouth Community School lay untouched and neglected.

Now, with the help of Foresight Gardening Enterprises, a local community group set up to help visually impaired people, it has been cleared.

All the overgrown vegetation has gone and the team are developing a design specification to restore the garden to its former glory.

Foresight are encouraging visually impaired people who like gardening or would like to try gardening for the first time, to get involved.

Clive Webb, who set up the project, and who is partially sighted himself, said: ‘We know that the only thing that holds visually impaired people back, is their lack of opportunity.

‘This is a great chance for visually impaired people to get involved at the design stage, and to help us create a major gardening attraction for the local community and those visiting the area’.

When completed, the walled garden will become an accessible, outdoor exhibition space with heritage planting and displays about the history of the site.

‘Our aim is for a visitor attraction which is fully maintained by visually impaired people. A place where they can volunteer or even train for a career in horticulture Mr Webb added.

Anyone interested in the project, whether visually impaired or not, can go along to the Cliffden Hotel this Saturday [September 3] at 11am.

Light refreshments will be served, and speakers will outline Foresight’s plans.

After the presentations a minibus will take those interested to visit the garden.

Further information can be found at www.foresightgardening.co.uk or by phoning Mr Webb on 01803 290704. Volunteering opportunities include: gardening, administration, experienced gardeners who can help and support others, drivers and people interested in helping to maintain the website and social media.

The event is being supported by the Big Lottery Fund.