We designed our five acre garden and small-holding
to be both productive and beautiful for us and a safe haven for wildlife.
We set aside pasture land, meadowland and space for home-grown vegetables
before designing the four main garden areas. We focused on imitating
some of the natural or semi-natural wildlife habitats found within
the woodlands, open glades, wetlands and grasslands of our surrounding
countryside. Species-rich hedgerows surround and divide our land providing
vital food and shelter for a wealth of creatures. Our specially designed
and home-crafted 'habitat boosters' are a bonus for wildlife as well
as being decorative features of the garden.
Special
features of the wildlife garden
In the Frog Garden our garden
pond and bog imitates a mini wetland.
The Bird Garden
has nesting, roosting, feeding and watering places.
The Round Garden
mimics the sort of sheltered, sunny woodland glade which butterflies
love.
The White Garden
is 'wilder' than the other gardens specifically designed to melt into
the surrounding countryside, full of excellent berrying trees.
The ring of logs encloses a space to sit
amongst the grassland habitat of our New Hay Meadow.
Just nine birch trees form a small copse
which presents our wildlife with woodland habitat.
Our 400 metres of British native species
boundary hedgerows are a rich resource for wildlife.
The 'Habitat Seat' is made of coppiced
ash and peppered with holes for insects.
The log pile has a sculptural appearance
and is excellent for beetles.