National Trust plans to take on RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden

Flatford Wildlife Garden

Located in the picturesque hamlet of Flatford, which inspired the artist John Constable, the RSPB Wildlife Garden neighbours the National Trust’s existing visitor offer.

It was first opened to the public by the RSPB in 2011, with the aim of inspiring visitors with wildlife-friendly gardening ideas. Over the past 15 years, the garden has welcomed on average 50,000 visitors per year during its open season from April to October.

Transfer of ownership and management

The National Trust is now in discussions with the RSPB to take on the Wildlife Garden.

This follows the RSPB’s decision to review its presence at Flatford Wildlife Gardens following a wider assessment of all its UK nature reserves, to ensure everything it does is aligned with its charitable and strategic aims and delivers the most impact for nature possible, with the resources available.

The RSPB will continue running the wildlife garden over the coming months while we work together to finalise details of the transfer to ensure a smooth handover. The transfer, which includes an area of land adjacent to the wildlife gardens, is expected in autumn this year.

Visitors will be able to visit the gardens as normal, with no immediate changes to activities or the visitor experience.

Continuing a legacy

RSPB Suffolk Area Manager, Adam Rowlands, said: “The RSPB has worked collaboratively with the National Trust for many years, and we are confident that their ambitions for the site align with our own ethos and how we would like to see Flatford Wildlife Garden cared for in the future.”

The gardens were left to the RSPB by sisters Silvia and Margaret Richardson to provide a “living legacy” for nature.

Over the past 15 years the RSPB has maintained the garden for both wildlife and people, which the National Trust intends to continue.

National Trust Area Manager, Leigh Freeman, added: “Bringing our sites together will enable us to create a more joined-up experience for visitors, enabling us to improve access, enhance the offer and ultimately protect the area’s long-term future. This is especially meaningful with the timing marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of John Constable.”