PRESS RELEASE

8 July 2008

Cheshire's Secret Gardens of Distinction

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is opening the gates to some unseen wonders this summer as members are encouraged to invite the public into their gardens as part of the ongoing Cheshire’s Year of Gardens celebrations.

One such event takes place on Sunday 13 July when Brian and Ann Cavenett of Lower House, Great Barrow, welcome the public to share the delights of their organic garden, resonant of the naturalistic approach to gardening encouraged by the Trust.

Their wild horticultural haven has been managed with organic ethics since 1945 and is now abundant with plants, flowers and animals. Lawns and flower beds meet with rough hedges that attract birds, while an orchard with mistletoe and a living willow igloo also feature.

A stream at the bottom of the garden attracts water voles and other regular visitors to the garden include badgers, swallows and bats.

Ann and Brian Cavenett are members of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Ann says: “Our family came to Lower House in 1945, which has been managed organically ever since. The garden is not kept very tidy and we ‘allow’ many wild flowers – some would say weeds, but this style of gardening means many animals have made our garden their home”

Sue Tatman, wildlife gardening officer from Cheshire Wildlife Trust, says: “Naturalistic gardening is a great way of encouraging wildlife to live in your open spaces and the Cavenett’s garden is a fine example of this. We hope visitors will enjoy the opportunity to visit and be inspired themselves.”

The Cavenett’s garden at Lower House, Mill Lane, Great Barrow nr Chester will be open between 2pm and 4.30pm. Entry is £1.50 with proceeds going to Cheshire Wildlife Trust and refreshments will be available.

For more information about this event and the work of the Trust, call Cheshire Wildlife Trust on 01948 820728

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