Wildlife in our Gardens

4 January: Snowdrop, bluebell and daffodil shoots appearing
18 January: Foxes barking indicating mating season
23 January: First snowdrops appeared
25 January: First crocuses appeared by stumpery

Common spotted orchids: 23 (in 2022, there was 21)

Nature's Calendar

Recording signs of the changing seasons is important to see what effect climate change is having on our wildlife – and you can help.
Are snowdrops and bluebells coming out earlier? Have you seen a red-tailed bumblebee? When did the swallows and swifts first arrive?
All you have to do is:
  1. Choose the species or event you wish to record (types of species recorded)
  2. Choose the location, e.g. in our Gardens (it is important that you visit the location once or twice a week to make sure the event is happening for the first time)
  3. Record your observation

Tawny Owls

You may have heard the characteristic 'hoot' of a tawny owl in our Gardens, but did you know they are in decline? Listen out for them in our Gardens and submit an LGA sighting.
Male tawny owl 'hoot' call
Female tawny owl 'kee-wick' call

Stumpery and wildlife area

We used some of the felled trees to create a stumpery feature, which will act as a rich wildlife habitat. Inspired by Victorian gardens in the 19th century when ferns were grown amongst tree stumps, stumperies are ideal for shade-loving plants.
We have also created a wildlife area that will provide vital shelter for a number of species, such as hedgehogs, mice and voles.