The pop-up wildlife garden with grand bug hotel, wild flower meadow, pollinating flowers and trees, vegetable patch and bucket pond, supported by Squires Garden Centres, created the wow factor for shoppers.
Within an hour of set up, it was a delight to see bees, butterflies, damselflies, ladybirds and hundreds of people exploring its wildlife friendly features. The grand bug hotel inspired so many people. Clarissa James said: “As someone who is disabled, the bug hotel is the perfect solution for those who want to have something of beauty in their garden.”
Families enjoyed wild crafts, mini beast hunting, getting up close with reptiles, amphibians and ‘whose poo’ wildlife guessing games. Adults enjoyed willow weaving demonstrations, wildlife inspired mosaic crafts and the Wild Surrey Art and Photography exhibition in Guildford House Gallery (open until 16 June). Dozens of people signed up to become a member of Surrey Wildlife Trust to protect wildlife and our beautiful Surrey countryside.
Charlotte Magowan, director of people engagement at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: “It was such gorgeous weather this weekend and such a joy to see all those happy smiling people enjoy the wildlife garden. So many people said it was “beautiful”, “peaceful” and felt inspired to add wildlife water, shelter and feeding features at home. It was heartening to hear how many people cared about wildlife and wanted to take action to stop its decline. Some people said they wished the garden could stay on the High Street every day.”
The wildlife garden will continue to be enjoyed as Surrey Wildlife Trust donated all plants to the Eikon charity’s gardening project at Kings College Guildford.
View a list of the flowers on display in the garden to make your own space for nature.