West Heath Centre
The Grounds
West Heath Centre and The New School at West Heath are set in 32 acres of grounds containing many historical and beautiful plants and trees.
Some of our rhododendrons are a lasting testimony to the 18th century – an article in the 1917 edition of Kentish Homes refers to “…the famous rhododendron plantation. Some of these are over 46 feet high and are said to be the highest in England. They were planted in about 1790 and at the same period an inner fringe of azaleas were planted which are now great trees.” This was named the American garden.
Even more historic are the Wellingtoia’s. They were first introduced to this country in 1853 and we have been told that our could be 150 years old.
The garden situated outside the recital room, now used for marquees and garden parties, was an Italian parterre before being made into a sunken garden.
Trees planted more recently include a group of flowering cherries. Sadly when West Heath School went into receivership, the plaques identifying the trees and the events each remembered (Diana’s engagement, marriage, her son’s births) were sold. In 1999 the tradition was re-started when Wayne Sleep planted a Beech tree.
