A £700 grant from the PEBBLE fund was awarded to transform a sheltered area of rough grass and nettles at Wandlebury into a thriving pollinator garden. 

The project aimed to create a habitat and food source for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, and hoverflies. Additionally, it supports the pollination of a nearby orchard, with its fruit being donated to a local foodbank.

The selected site, located within the walled garden, benefits from warmth and shelter.

Designed as a mulched dry garden to conserve water, it features predominantly native plants alongside other shrubs, bulbs, and herbaceous perennials, ensuring year-round support for pollinators.

Weekly volunteer days were established to clear the area of weeds and nettles, lay a weed mat, install edging, and plant shrubs. 
Volunteers continued to assist with watering and weeding over the subsequent nine months. This hands-on involvement not only facilitated the garden’s creation but also raised awareness about the importance of pollinators and how individuals can attract them to their own gardens.

The team faced a harsh winter, but the garden’s spring bulbs successfully attracted early invertebrates. To support ongoing maintenance, seventeen donors have purchased butterfly plaques displayed next to the garden.

The area has been transformed from its pre-project state, significantly enhancing the overall look and feel of this part of Wandlebury. The garden now serves as a vibrant habitat for pollinators and a source of community pride.