Ecological garden created by volunteers on Northmoor Trust Estate
Young people get stuck in to create attractive space for wildlife and people.
Hill Farm, the inspiring home of the Northmoor Trust is now a little prettier too, thanks to the hard work of a band of young volunteers.
Engaging local schools and volunteers
The project, which has engaged local schools and volunteers, has led to the creation of an inspiring ecological garden as part of the newly renovated site at Little Wittenham, close to the stunning landscape of the Wittenham Clumps.
Connecting people with their landscape
The creation of the garden, part of the public engagement work that the Trust is undertaking to connect people with their landscape, will provide diversity for wildlife and an attractive space for the public to visit. The project has been in two parts involving hard landscaping to create the paths and beds, followed by the actual planting of the plants, shrubs and the scattering of wild flower seed.
The creation of the new garden has provided opportunities for young people from Bishopswood Special School, Langtree School and the Northmoor Trust’s volunteer group, to get stuck in to a project that will over time grow and mature.
Caroline Robson, Project Fundraiser for the Ecological Garden Project said, “The enthusiasm shown by all the volunteers involved in transforming a patch of bare earth to a productive and wildlife friendly space has been so encouraging. The Northmoor Trust is working hard to provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in practical, positive steps which make a difference both for the environment and the local community.”
Andrew Smith, joint Managing Director of Smiths Bletchington who provided funding for the project said, “We are delighted to support a project via our community fund that has involved young people, led to the acquiring of new skills and created a long term resource on the doorstep of the Wittenham Clumps. Projects such as this demonstrate the commitment of Smiths in restoring the natural world and the important role that quarried materials play in it.“
Funders and Supporters
Funding and practical support for the project was received from the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment using funds from the Landfill Tax Communities Fund and local businesses including Smiths Bletchington, Profitability, Notcutts Garden Centre and Route One Garden Centre.
