Create a Wildlife Haven in your Garden
October 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: £Free
We are delighted to be part of the York Environment Festival this year and will be opening for this extra date.
Recently dubbed ‘the Mary Berry of gardening,” Vanessa will be leading two guided walks where you will see some of the many ingredients that make a garden attractive to wildlife. She will show you how a few small actions in your garden or community space can make it a beacon of hope for local wildlife.
The walk will take in the wildlife pond, wildflower meadow, bug hotels, log piles, compost heaps, bird boxes and feeders, native trees and hedges, plants that are selected for pollinators and you will see the garden’s very own special slug control system!
Learn the ups and downs of how the garden has evolved and top tips for wildlife gardening and you may see some of the many animals that call this stunning garden their home. The garden has become a must-see for anyone wanting to balance a beautiful and productive garden whilst encouraging wildlife.
You may recently have seen Vanessa on Look North or BBC Breakfast with her tips for saving water and watering gardens during dry periods – it is this sort of wisdom that she will be passing on during the walk.
The event is free, but places are limited to 12 per walk, so please pre-book.
Each walk will last approximately 1 hour and you will be able to ask questions as you go round. You will be able to stay to browse in the garden after the walk and refreshments will be available to buy in the coffee shop. The garden will be closing at 13:00.
No dogs other than assistance dogs.
Find out more about York Environment Festival and keep up to date with all events here.
The coffee shop will be open for you to buy refreshments during your visit.
Entry fees cannot be refunded if you cancel less than 7 days prior to date of the event.
