National Trust Takes Ownership of Flatford Wildlife Garden

The National Trust is now the official owner of Flatford Wildlife Garden, located near East Bergholt in Suffolk. The future of the garden, which had been run by the RSPB for 15 years, was uncertain when the RSPB announced in October that it needed to sell or lease the land due to financial constraints. The ownership transfer was finalized on Tuesday, ensuring the reserve's continuity.

Adam Rowlands, RSPB Suffolk area manager, expressed confidence that the National Trust's plans for the site align with the ethos of preserving Flatford Wildlife Garden. "We are confident that their ambitions for the site align with our own ethos of how we wanted to see Flatford Wildlife Garden looked after under new ownership," Rowlands stated. He added, "We know the National Trust will continue to maintain the garden for both wildlife and people, and we are incredibly pleased it will reopen to the public next year under their care."

Leigh Freeman, a National Trust area manager, described the acquisition as a lengthy process for both organizations. The National Trust plans to use the winter months to prepare the garden for visitors, with an anticipated reopening in early March or before Easter. Previously, the garden was only open during the summer.

The reserve, a legacy from sisters Sylvia and Margaret Richardson gifted to the RSPB about 15 years ago, features wildlife, birds, a trail with carved wooden creatures, a pond, a living willow tunnel, and an insect and bee hotel. The National Trust aims to integrate the garden with its wider Flatford site and improve access.

Freeman emphasized the commitment to maintaining the garden's unique character. "There will be some small changes but we intend to maintain the spirit of the wildlife garden, that is something we are very committed to," Freeman said. "We're also really committed to connecting it with the wider site at Flatford and providing better access."

The acquisition was supported by funding and contributions from local groups, enabling the National Trust to secure the future of this conservation area.