Wildlife havens to inspire and delight
As natural habitats in the wider countryside shrink and become fragmented, gardens have an increasingly important role to play in sustaining wildlife. Even in cities, they can offer a patchwork of green spaces, providing a link between parks and countryside. Many of us try to garden with wildlife in mind, whether by planting native trees, installing a pond, choosing flowers that are appreciated by pollinating insects or simply leaving a patch of grass unmown. The gardens opening this year are no exception.
Tucked away behind the bustle of the High Street, you’ll find an oasis of calm, with ancient trees and a pond that is home to newts. If you look carefully, you’ll see the boxes used by the resident bat population. Down the road on School Hill and Park Lane, you’ll find several family gardens with mature trees, ponds and insect-friendly flower displays, along with acres of spectacular woodland and a moat. You can also find out about the community project to buy and maintain Abbey Fields.
Heading south, you could stop by our beautiful community orchard, on your way to Villa Road and Cambridge Road, where you’ll find a wealth ponds, old orchards, a woodland walk, and even a hibernaculum. In McFarlane Close, you can find out about the work of Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital, and what you can do to help support our local hedgehog population. Carry on walking to Burgoynes Road and Percheron Close and you’ll find yet more ponds to enjoy, ancient beech trees and a tranquil wild area to relax in. You’ll also find plenty of gardeners who are helping the planet by growing their own food, with veg plots, fruit gardens, beehives and chickens.
In short, you can expect plenty of beautiful wild spaces to explore, gorgeous flowers and lots of inspiration for accommodating the needs of wildlife into your own garden.
Histon and Impington Open Gardens, Sunday 12th June 2022
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Photo ©Brian Ing