South Devon farming entrepreneur who created Woodlands leisure park dies aged 92

A South Devon farmer-turned-entrepreneur who created one of the area's most popular theme parks and tourist attractions has died.

Graham Bendall, the man behind the Woodlands attraction in the South Hams, passed away peacefully on October 28, aged 92.

Mr Bendall of East Hartley Farm died in the family farmhouse, leaving seven children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Graham was born on August 17, 1932, on a farm in Gloucestershire and chose to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a dairy farmer. 

A keen Chairman of Thornbury Young Farmers, he travelled with them on trips to extend his knowledge of dairy farming and the cows he loved. 

He married his wife, Pat, when he was 21 and managed farms in three countries before they fell in love with the beautiful South Hams. In 1971 they bought the 160-acre farm, including 30 acres of woodland and three small monastic lakes.

Keen to exploit his untapped entrepreneurial skills, Graham saw an opportunity to develop a major tourist attraction and caravan park. After tireless work from his family, in 1989 they opened Woodlands at Blackawton with play areas supported by caravan park, restaurant and shop which were all sensitively integrated throughout the woodland.

Around 60,000 visitors came in the first year and the success prompted further investment and the development of new parks in the Midlands run by members of the family.

Graham was also a skilled gardener and tree lover, planting trees across the entire estate. He collected seeds from all over the world, including Giant Redwoods from California which grace the landscape at East Hartley today.

The Bendall family will welcome family and friends to Graham’s funeral which will be held at 11am at St Michael’s Church, Blackawton, on November 27.