Discover how biodiversity and rewilding have been brought into the unique context of the Walled Garden at Knepp. Head Gardener Charlie Harpur will introduce Knepp and demonstrate how the wider trailblazing rewilding project, that has changed the way we think about nature and how we can heal our planet, has influenced and informed the Garden through both design and gardening.
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Charlie Harpur is a plantsman and landscape designer. Trained as an architect, he worked for the landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith for several years. Following this he gained practical experience in horticulture and ecology at the Chelsea Physic Garden and Kew, graduating with a Kew Diploma in Horticulture before returning to Tom’s studio in a more horticultural role.
Charlie is now Head Gardener at the Knepp Castle Estate where he oversees the rewilding of the Victorian Walled Garden. His experience at Knepp includes involvement in the establishment of a regenerative market garden and designing a public landscape at Knepp’s new restaurant and shop.
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Sunken Garden Eco Fair 2025 is a day filled with educational workshops and inspiring discussions focused on sustainability and environmental conservation.
Sunday 21 September 2025, 11.00 to 4.30pm
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We are offering a price range for tickets, as Sunken Garden Society is a not-for-profit grass-roots community group, lead and run by volunteers. All ticket fees will go towards the cost of the Fair and the upkeep of the Garden, please choose the option that you feel suits your situation best.
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Established in 2018 the Sunken Garden Society is a volunteer community group formed to assist the local council in the management and revival of this historic garden. The society run regular Community Gardening Days and events to promote the garden.
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A big thank you to all the Sunken Garden supporters including Kent Community Foundation, Mayor of Margate Fund, CoOp and Thanet District Council
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How to get to the Sunken Garden
Roads: the garden is situated just of Royal Esplanade, accessible from the A28 (Canterbury Road). Free parking along the roadside or pay and display in Barnes Avenue carpark located below the garden at the undercliff
Buses: The number 8, 8A, 8X, 932 and 34 bus routes run along Westbrook Avenue with stops at Tyson Avenue, Bridge Crossing and Cliff Avenue. Requiring a 2 to 5 minute walk to the Garden
Trains: Alight at Westgate on Sea or Margate train station, both require an approximate 20 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride
Kent Costal route, Viking Coastal Trail, King Charles III Coastal Path: The garden is situated on top of the chalk cliffs that run alongside the engineered concrete sea defence and coastal promenade
