Muttersmoor is an important recreation area outside Sidmouth. Suggestions for making it more attractive to visitors and residents included re-creating the Seven Stones Circle, marked on maps, and removed in the 19th Century, and recreating the open vista at Keble’s seat, where he is said to have been inspired to write the hymn “Sun of My Soul”. Prior to growth of the plantation, the Haldon Hills and Dartmoor could be seen from here on a clear day. (page 33)
Vision Group for Sidmouth - Original Vision Group Report
Since then, the 'open vista' has happened - and on Friday 7th March three new beech trees were planted to commemorate the work of the Victorian John Keble:
Keble’s Seat
Edward Willis-Fleming and party arrive
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The tree planters ... Lord Clinton,
Diana East, Sir Jonathan Philips
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Sidmouth Arboretum - News
Trees to honour 19th century poet
Lord Clinton, Sir Jonathan Phillips of Keble College and Diana East from Sidmouth Arboretum took part in the planting of three trees at Keble's Seat in Mutters Moor in memory of artist, John Keble. Picture by Alex Walton.
Stefan GordonMonday, March 17, 2014
A TRIO of trees has been planted at a beauty spot near Sidmouth which inspired a 19th century poet and hymn writer to compose some of his best work.
Rev Handel Bennett blesses the copper beech trees at Mutters Moor planted in memory of artist, John Keble. Picture by Alex Walton.
A crowd of around 40 people watched the ceremony at Keble’s Seat on Mutters Moor last Friday, March 7.
The spot is named after John Keble and commands a breathtaking panoramic view of the Lower Otter Valley and Dartmoor.
Keble was an English churchman and one of the leaders of the influential Oxford Movement - Oxford’s Keble College was named after him. He was also a frequent visitor to Sidmouth and folklore suggests that Keble’s favourite spot was Mutter’s Moor where a wooden bench known as Keble’s Seat remains to this day.
For nearly 50 years Keble’s view was concealed by a mature forest of Japanese larch which was felled by Clinton Devon Estates in 2012 to prevent the spread of the deadly tree disease Phytophthora ramorum.
Three copper beech saplings were planted at the site last Friday, March 7, by Sir Jonathan Phillips, the Warden of Keble College, Lord Clinton and Diana East of Sidmouth Arboretum - which proposed the commemorative planting. The specimens were chosen to echo the ancient copper beech tree which is alive and well in Pusey Quad at Keble College.
Edward Willis Fleming, one of the founders of Sidmouth Arboretum, said: “We look for every opportunity to plant trees in the area and encourage others to do so. The local word is that John Keble was inspired by this landscape.”
The Reverend Handel Bennett blessed each tree individually and said of Keble: “For him there is a sermon in every leaf, in every nook.”
Sir Jonathan described the event as ‘typically English’.
John Wilding, head of forestry and environment for Clinton Devon Estates, said: “Anyone who wants to sit on Keble’s Seat will once again enjoy the fabulous views. The planting of the saplings will help to make this beautiful spot just a little bit more special.”
See also:
Futures Forum: Mutter's Moor: Trail Rider's Fellowship application to change classification of rights of way: consultation ends Friday 27th Sept
Futures Forum: Devon County officers recommend Mutter's Moor and Fire Beacon Hill bridleways remain closed to traffic ... Committee meets 25th February
http://www.claire-wright.org/index.php/post/devon_county_council_committee_rejects_trail_biking_proposal
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