Guilden Sutton Wildflower Garden

The environment

One of our original aims was to help pollinators. A large bug hotel was created by our Beaver group. Insects are nowoften heard and seen amongst the flowers and grasses and one visitor reported 5 different species of butterfly ona sujmmer visit.

The local economy

Some of the work was contracted using local people.

Volunteering, jobs & education

We had 50 volunteers of all ages helping with sowing seeds and planting bulbs. Beavers made a big hotel. Volunteers cut paths through the grass and do the annual cropping. Children from both Pre-School and the Primary School's Enviro Club visit the site to look at flowers, and search for insects and wildlife. They; have also been involved in planting and looking after the herbs. There was a quiz about wildflowers at the official opening event, We provide seasonal information on the notice board.

Arts, culture & heritage

The creation of the wildflower garden has brought back memories for some older residents of how the village was in their childhood when there were more wildflowers in local fields. We held a photography competition featuring pictures taken in the garden and there was an applique square included in the village banner which celebrates the organisations in the village

Activity, health and leisure

Before the garden was created there was no seating on the Oaklands estate which comprises a large part of the village. There was nowhere to sit down if people went for a walk. For those who use the route to get from Church Lane to the village shop or school, there is a step flights of 24 steps to climb. The seating has been a success as it enables less mobile people to rest when they visit or walk tbrough. The garden is only about 400 yards from an independent living establishment. Younger children love running and chasing through the flowrs and grasses which are almost as tall as them. The garden is a tranquil area so it is restfull to visit.