Health and Safety Information

Great Dixter Charitable Trust works hard to manage risk to visitors both in the garden and the wider estate, through regular monitoring, and systems of incident and accident reporting. There are a few areas that visitors should be aware of:

Paving stones

Paving stones in the garden may be uneven or slippery when wet. Please take care when walking on the paths.

Poisonous Plants and Allergies

Some plants are poisonous and some may lead to an allergic response if touched. Parents and carers should be careful to supervise children and dependents in the garden at all times.

Open water

For your safety, please be warned that there are a number of unfenced ponds in the garden. It is not advisable to leave children or dependents unsupervised. The location of these ponds is shown on the garden plan and within our leaflet.

Weil’s disease

Weils disease can be caused by contact with water infected with rat urine. Some of our educational activities involve pond dipping and care should be taken to cover any cuts or abrasions prior to taking part in these activities, and to thoroughly wash hands afterwards.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks which can be carried by deer and other animals, which are prevalent in the East Sussex countryside. Long trousers and sleeves are recommended particularly for educational activities where a visit to our woodland is included. Early symptoms can be a characteristic ‘bullseye’ rash and flu like symptoms. It is important to visit your doctor early if you suspect you may have Lyme disease as the symptoms can be serious if untreated.