The Wildlife Garden

In a rural canal-side setting adjacent to John’s Garden, surrounded by undulating farmland and pockets of woodland, our wildlife garden is ideally situated to attract a wide variety of creatures for visitors to enjoy.

A kingfisher spotted from the bird hide

Here we are developing and maintaining the garden using the same ecological principles used to manage nature reserves across the country.

The aim is to provide a variety of habitats in order to attract a range of species and achieve a high level of biodiversity while creating an environment that is also attractive and pleasing to the eye.

Developing habitats

Mature native trees such as oak, birch, alder and wild cherry, as well as an area of coppiced hazel, are characteristic of woodland habitat and provide for visiting woodland creatures. Hedgerows of hawthorn and blackthorn with flowers and berries for foraging are perfect habitat for birds and insects.

An orange-tip butterfly is a welcome visitor

The canal-side setting brings aquatic creatures such as dragonflies and damselflies as well as the stunning sight of kingfishers which can be seen fishing from a perch that we have installed.

The largest habitat is provided by the grassland itself. An estimated 97% of British wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930’s. The remaining habitat is vitally important to many of our favourite British species and countless more that are less well known.

We have added numerous native wildflowers to the meadow to provide nectar for butterflies, bees, moths and other pollinating insects. 21 species of butterfly and over 270 species of moth have been found so far and careful management should encourage more species in the future.

A dipping pond attracts a variety of aquatic life.

When can I visit the wildlife garden?

The wildlife garden is adjacent to John’s Garden at Ashwood Nurseries; it is open to visitors on John’s Garden Open Days.  The entrance charge to the John’s Garden includes admission to the wildlife garden (weather and ground condition permitting).

The insect hotel on a waymarked path through the wildlife garden.

The wildlife garden offers a fascinating experience of nature for both families and wildlife enthusiasts. You can stroll along waymarked paths with something new to discover on every visit, hopefully providing inspiration and ideas for your own garden.

There are viewing screens and a bird hide for viewing the bird feeding area; kingfishers, woodpeckers, bullfinch and nuthatch are regularly seen as well as seasonal migrants such as siskin, swifts and swallows. Numerous nesting boxes provide additional interest.