Highdown Gardens is owned by the Highdown Tower Garden and Pleasure Ground Trust (or Highdown Gardens Trust) and is managed by Worthing Borough Council (WBC).

The Trust was formed in 1968 when the gardens were given to the people of Worthing by Lady Sybil Stern following the death of her husband Sir Frederick Stern.

In 2018-2021, fundings from The National Heritage Lottery Fund enabled some ambitious renovations of the infrastructure of the gardens and expanded its heritage, engagement and volunteer programmes.

Worthing Borough Council remains committed to the operational running of Highdown Gardens. For over 50 years, it has employed skilled gardeners to help maintain the Sterns’ unique gift to the people of Worthing.

However, in order to sustain the high standard of the gardens, remain open every day of the year and further the conservation of its National plant Collection, the Trust needs further financial support.

There are many ways to help us beyond enjoying the gardens, spreading positive feedback, buying from our pop up shop and booking our events.

Below you can find out how to make a donation, and also how to leave a gift in your Will, to Highdown Gardens.

100% of your donation goes to the Highdown Development Trust.

Have you considered leaving a gift to Highdown Gardens Trust in your Will?

When you leave a gift in your Will to the Highdown Tower Garden and Pleasure Ground Trust, you help to protect and preserve its National Plant Collection and ensure this unique chalk garden can be enjoyed for future generations to come.

We recommend using a qualified solicitor to make a new will or to amend an existing will. You can find a solicitor in your local area using the Law Society’s website.

While we welcome gifts in wills that can be used for general purposes so we can meet our most urgent needs, we’re also very happy to accept gifts for a particular use. If you’d like to get in touch to discuss your gift, we’d be happy to talk about your options. We understand this is an important decision, so we won’t put you under any pressure and we will treat you and your family with respect and sensitivity.

We also understand that your circumstances may change, or you may change your mind and need to take the Highdown Gardens Trust out of your will.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have and talk to you about the impact your gift could have.

Our registered charity number is 305445

Our address is: Highdown Gardens, 33 Highdown Rise, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 6FB

You can contact us by email or telephone for more information:

• highdown.gardens@adur-worthing.gov.uk
• 01273 263060