Wildlife gardening experts supporting Cheshire Wildlife Trust

Wildlife gardening expert, Chris Baines, is appearing at Ness Botanic Gardens this month in support of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. On Saturday 26th May, Chris will be giving a talk entitled ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ where he will share his lifetime’s experience of the practical ways in which ordinary gardens can be made more wildlife friendly.

The award-winning writer and presenter has made regular television appearances over the years including BBC Gardeners’ World and Countryfile. He has also written a number of books including ‘How to Make a Wildlife Garden’ which has inspired generations of gardeners.

He famously created the first ever wildlife garden to be allowed at Chelsea Flower Show back in 1985 – the theme is now a staple of all flower shows around the UK. During this talk Chris will discuss suitable plants for pollinators and the many ways in which nesting boxes, bird feeders, ponds and other features can turn a garden, courtyard or balcony into a safe haven for local wildlife.

Local garden wild bee expert, George Pilkington, who is the inventor of the award-winning Nurturing Nature Bumblebee Nest Box and Solitary Bee Observation Nest Box, will also be taking part in the event. The dramatic decline in bee populations led him to research their behaviour and what can be done to reverse the trend. George will talk through his wild bee conservation projects and demonstrate some of his many wildlife gardening inventions.

“We are delighted to welcome these two wildlife gardening experts,” said Jo Darlington, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Cheshire Wildlife Trust. “They are both so knowledgeable and will truly inspire their audience to go home and take a look at their own gardens with wildlife in mind.”

Chris Baines will also be signing copies of his latest book “RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening” at the end of the talk.

The talk starts at 11 am and tickets are £10, which also entitle people to a reduced entry of £4 to the gardens. Tickets can be purchased by calling 01948 820728 or through booking online at www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on