Mission Statement
The Trust is a Registered Charity (nr.1174239) for the advancement of education in horticulture and conservation. The stated purpose as approved by the Charity Commission for England and Wales is:
1. To advance education in the subjects of horticulture and conservation in particular but not exclusively by providing study courses, training placements and workshops.
2. Such charitable purposes for the public benefit as are exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.
(To this end there is an ancillary document approved by the Charity Commission which sets out the detailed and additional goals and aims of the Trust directly related to this- see section 5: Structure)
This statement is a brief outline of its work and philosophy to further explain the above purpose.
- Garden and Library: Part of the Trust's work is to maintain, protect, extend and improve these as a unique resource and for the enrichment of our students and the wider community. The library is a unique collection gradually built by the founder over many years and the garden was developed from an empty field starting in 2012. These are invaluable resources for human well-being.
- Public good: The Trust under the guidance of its founder has a clear philosophy of the sanctity of Nature and all living creatures, the importance of education, opportunities for the younger generation to carry on into the future the beacon of civilisation, tolerance, discovery and the highest human values.
In an atmosphere of synergy, tolerance, mutual respect and belief in the possibility of the potential for the individual to fulfil their potential, the Trust's teaching programmes placements and opportunities benefit a range of different people such as: the young unemployed, those with learning difficulties, individual scholars and researchers, the elderly, and international students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures to come for residential study in England in a spirit of international respect and understanding. All our work thus being geared to improve society by enriching the individual as the founder says of the garden:
"to delight the eye, enrich the mind, gladden the heart and uplift the soul" :
- Human improvement: The Trust seeks to maintain & improve the unique garden; conserve the library; & the art works & teachings/writing of Stephen Cox. The Trust and its founder also serves the local community with charitable programmes and teaching .
But it also offers on a broader perspective of appreciation of and insights into heritage, history, philosophy, wildlife, body-mind harmony, conservation, art & culture for the improvement of human well-being.
The Trust and its garden is a place of learning. A teacher is there to pass on his acquired knowledge to others. A garden is also there for sharing and learning for others. The gardener can also be enriched by the teaching and sharing process.
It extols and communicates the benefits for individual well-being, for improved life-function, career attainment, citizenship, as well as triggering latent skills and potential. The Trust believes it is important for young people to have challenging opportunities, discovery, and experience of working together in a team.
Belief in the value of our activities and teaching for young people: to bring out the best in them, build self-confidence, communication skills, trust, leadership, pubic duty, empathy, understanding, tolerance- amongst many other valuable attributes.
(the Trust welcomes donations to assist its work)