Our work at The Weir Garden

An otter raising its head out of the water among the grass on a riverbank at Croome, Worcestershire. — Looking out for the wildlife that call this special place home | © National Trust Images/John Hubble

The garden at The Weir is managed in a natural way to create a varied habitat for wildlife in this unspoilt corner of the Wye valley. You can see many species in the garden - from the otters and fish that live in the river, to the birds that nest here. Discover how we’re caring for this special place.

Nature in the garden

The riverside garden is a wildlife haven all year round. The abundance and variety of flora and fauna encourages wildlife, big and small, to make a home here. We manage the garden in a nature-friendly way, avoiding the use of chemicals and pesticides to wildlife has a safe place to live and parts of the garden are kept as wild areas.

Birdlife in the garden

We conduct bi-annual bird watches, in winter and summer and encourage visitors to report any unusual sightings during their visit. We’ve recorded over 70 species of birds at The Weir Garden.

We always leave patches of the garden wild to ensure birds and insects have a safe place to eat and retreat. The natural habitat encourages water-loving birds, countryside dwelling birds and many smaller birds.

Grey Wagtail bird — Grey Wagtail | © National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole

Protecting nature

Many creatures have made this scenic riverside garden their home. Leaving wild spaces also provides a home for small mammals such as rabbits and mice which can quite often be seen scurrying across pathways, over tree roots and into the safety of their dug-out safe spaces.

Patches of long grass, weeds and flower heads left to seed offer a nutritious diet for these creatures and helps deter them from eating the vegetables inside the walled garden. The walled garden is also planted generously with perennials and herbs, which encourage pollinating insects.