BRIMMING with insect-loving plants and winding paths and tunnels begging to be explored by nature lovers, Flatford Wildlife Garden is tranquillity personified.
But before it was transformed into the heavenly haven it is today, it was previously a promising piece of land owned by sisters Silvia and Margaret Richardson.
Exactly a decade ago, however, the generous siblings gifted the vast relaxing East Bergholt green space to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Since then, long-serving gardener Shirley Sampson and her dedicated team of volunteers have converted the land into a magical nature reserve.
The Flatford Wildlife Garden now attracts about 50,000 visitors every year – an impressive figure, but hardly a surprising one given what is on offer.
Sitting on the banks of the River Stour, the beautiful, picturesque garden is home to everything from insect hotels to stag beetle pyramids.
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It also boasts a glorious wildflower meadow and an orchard as well as endless inspiration from which guests looking to nurture their own wildlife can draw from.
Sarah Milne, visitor experience officer at Flatford Wildlife Garden, say the endless wonders of the garden forever enchant and astound her.
She said: “I love working here and I swear the birdsong is louder in the garden than just outside the gate.
Picturesque - RSPB's Flatford Wildlife Garden Picture: Andy Hay / rspb-images.com
“You can see people relaxing as they wander round and so many are fascinated by the birds and planting they see here.”
Head gardener Shirley believes the power of the garden is its ability to encourage visitors to want to do something to help wildlife in need.
She added: “In my ten years at RSPB Flatford, the thing which has inspired me most has been that moment when people suddenly realise that here is something they can do to help struggling wildlife - something which is within their power.
“You can almost see the light go on behind their eyes.
“With gardens covering around 8,000 square kilometres in England, there is tremendous potential to help struggling creatures like amphibians, bumblebees, insect-eating birds like song thrushes, hedgehogs, and so many other small creatures.
Picturesque - RSPB's Flatford Wildlife Garden Picture: Andy Hay / rspb-images.com
“This is what the garden is all about.”
This month the garden will celebrate its tenth anniversary by giving visitors the chance to learn about its legacy.
Due to the time of year, the relaxing family-friendly space’s pond will also fittingly play home to dragonflies and damselflies, as well as crested newts.
To mark its decade long history, the reserve is now planning to offer a free trail quiz throughout June so visitors can learn more about the garden and its history.
Speaking about the celebrations, Sarah added: “We have been lucky enough to unearth the enchanting history of the reserve and the Richardson sisters who gifted it to us and can’t wait to share this with local people.
Picturesque - RSPB's Flatford Wildlife Garden Picture: Andy Hay / rspb-images.com
“Aptly named The Sisters’ Trail, visitors will be taken on a journey around the garden while following the fascinating story of Sylvia and Margaret Richardson, whose love for wildlife and nature saw the creation of our now much-loved wildlife garden.”
The Sisters’ Trail, which is free, will run throughout June from 10.30am until 4.30pm every day.
Parking costs £5 but is free to National Trust members.
To find out more visit rspb.org.uk.
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