This region stretches from Cheshire up to Cumbria but only includes a small number of gardens.

At present, we only have information on one garden, though it is likely that others will prove to be significant for wildlife, notably Acorn Bank.

If you spot something that you want to tell us about, email: gardenswildlifesurvey@nationaltrust.org.uk with details of what, where and when.

Here are some of the highlights of the area:

Sizergh

© NTPL / Stephen Robson

A good wildlife garden which includes a small limestone grassland bank with several orchids, including Fly and Greater Butterfly, and typical flowers such as Cowslip and Ladies Bedstraw.

There is also a limestone rock garden with a series of pools which are well used by Great Crested Newt.

The garden is good for birds, notably for wintering Hawfinch.

A surprising range of insects appear in the garden for nectar, including several species of fritillary butterfly – Dark-green Fritillary is quite regular and Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and even the rare High Brown Fritillary come in from the nearby limestone grassland. Northern Brown Argus may be resident, breeding on Common Rockrose.

Hit list

Lyme Park, Tatton Park (gardens only), Acorn Bank, Stagshaw and Speke Hall gardens.