News

National Trust takes ownership of the RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden

Published:: 03 November 2026

Two men standing on a path in the wildlife garden at Flatford — The Wildlife Garden at Flatford | © Sam Turley / RSPB Images

The National Trust has now taken on the ownership and management of the RSPB's Wildlife Garden at Flatford.

Flatford Wildlife Garden

Located in the famous hamlet of Flatford, which inspired the artist John Constable, the wildlife garden adjoins the National Trust’s current visitor facilities.

The garden 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 wildlife garden along with an area of land adjacent has now officially been acquired by the National Trust.

Over the last few months, we've worked with the RSPB on the transfer, which includes staff and volunteers and wanted to wait until the 2026 season had ended before the handover took place.

This follows the RSPB’s decision to review its presence at Flatford Wildlife Garden 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.

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 General Manager, Leigh Freeman, added: “Acquiring Flatford Wildlife Garden enables us to create a more joined-up experience for visitors at Flatford. Thanks to the great work of the RSPB, we will look to further improve access and enhance the offer, ultimately protecting the area’s long-term future."

The garden will re-open to visitors in spring 2027.