A new entrance with purpose!
We unveil a new entrance dedicated to UK conservation
We have recently installed a newly landscaped entrance to our park, which embodies our future role in UK conservation, highlighting our commitment to protect and conserve native wildlife alongside our more exotic species.
At the centre of the entrance we wanted to keep the iconic ‘Jimmy’s’ letters, as a focal point and link to our past. The old letters have now evolved into a huge bug hotel, providing homes and shelter for a range of native species. At the top we have some large boxes with spaces for small birds such as Bluetits to nest, whilst at the bottom are cavities for nesting Bumblebees. In the middle are sections filled with cones and twigs, perfect for Lacewings and Earwigs. There are also some blocks of wood with holes drilled part way through which are perfect for solitary bees including Leaf-cutting bees, Mason bees and Resin bees. We already have a diverse range of native species that call our park home, and each year we plan to increase the conservation work we do on site to make even more space for wildlife.
A new entrance with purpose!
We unveil a new entrance dedicated to UK conservation
We have recently installed a newly landscaped entrance to our park, which embodies our future role in UK conservation, highlighting our commitment to protect and conserve native wildlife alongside our more exotic species.
At the centre of the entrance we wanted to keep the iconic ‘Jimmy’s’ letters, as a focal point and link to our past. The old letters have now evolved into a huge bug hotel, providing homes and shelter for a range of native species. At the top we have some large boxes with spaces for small birds such as Bluetits to nest, whilst at the bottom are cavities for nesting Bumblebees. In the middle are sections filled with cones and twigs, perfect for Lacewings and Earwigs. There are also some blocks of wood with holes drilled part way through which are perfect for solitary bees including Leaf-cutting bees, Mason bees and Resin bees. We already have a diverse range of native species that call our park home, and each year we plan to increase the conservation work we do on site to make even more space for wildlife.
Complementing the iconic sign is fencing made from woven Hazel rods, a sustainable and beautiful product, derived from traditional coppicing of native woodlands. To soften the space we have a palette of plants, all of which provide some benefit to wildlife. We have seven feature trees including Persian Ironwood and Bird Cherry, both which are important early nectar sources for bees. Shrubs and climbers include Ceanothus, Broomand Jasmine, which provide shelter and potential nesting opportunities for birds as well as summer nectar and pollen. The ground floor planting includes Bird’s-foot trefoil an important foodplant for Common blue butterflies which also provides nectar over a long season.
We have also taken the future of the area into account, plants were selected not just for their wildlife and aesthetic value, but also resilience to climate change. These plants once established should be fully independent and require little or no watering. We have applied a layer of organic peat-free mulch over the ground, to keep in moisture and feed the soil, so in time it can be a fully self-sustaining ecosystem.
We hope you enjoy our new greener welcome and look forward to seeing it grow and develop as our park does the same.
Complementing the iconic sign is fencing made from woven Hazel rods, a sustainable and beautiful product, derived from traditional coppicing of native woodlands. To soften the space we have a palette of plants, all of which provide some benefit to wildlife. We have seven feature trees including Persian Ironwood and Bird Cherry, both which are important early nectar sources for bees. Shrubs and climbers include Ceanothus, Broomand Jasmine, which provide shelter and potential nesting opportunities for birds as well as summer nectar and pollen. The ground floor planting includes Bird’s-foot trefoil an important foodplant for Common blue butterflies which also provides nectar over a long season.
We have also taken the future of the area into account, plants were selected not just for their wildlife and aesthetic value, but also resilience to climate change. These plants once established should be fully independent and require little or no watering. We have applied a layer of organic peat-free mulch over the ground, to keep in moisture and feed the soil, so in time it can be a fully self-sustaining ecosystem.
We hope you enjoy our new greener welcome and look forward to seeing it grow and develop as our park does the same.
What a lovely last minute trip to Jimmys Farm to enjoy the sun
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