●Purpose

The Stephen Cox Garden Trust is a Registered Charity (nr.1174239) in England 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 means of:  public literature, making videos; book publishing, specialist library; research; mentoring; websites; E.U. study placements.

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.

This Mission Statement is a brief outline of its work to further explain the above purpose. It is based on the spiritual and educational philosophy and teaching ethos and practice of the founder Stephen Ben Cox.

● Garden and Library:

Part of the Trust’s work is to maintain, protect, extend and improve these as a conservation and cultural creation. 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. The garden comprises one-third of an acre of thematic "rooms" of various plant collections and themes. It also includes life-size statues of mythical creatures and Graeco-Roman deities, fountains, many seating areas/patios, pond, waterfalls, wetland, orchard, vegetable garden. All in a balance of formal formal and informal styles.

● 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 wide range of different people and needs. The Trust is thus geared to improve society by enriching those who are inspired by its mission, 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 society with charitable programmes and education. 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 is a source of learning, renewal and hope.

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.