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Future of nature reserve saved by National Trust

Alice CunninghamSuffolk
News imageRSPB A section of garden showing purple, green and yellow plants in front of trees.RSPB
RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden is next to the River Stour and a National Trust site in the heart of Constable Country

A nature reserve that was at risk of closure has been saved by the National Trust.

In October the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said it was looking to either sell Flatford Wildlife Garden in Suffolk or lease the land to a third party due to financial pressures.

The National Trust, which manages the neighbouring John Constable exhibition, tea room and buildings in the hamlet, said it planned to take on the ownership and management of the gardens.

Adam Rowlands, the RSPB area manager in Suffolk, said he was confident about the transition and the National Trust was expected to take over the nature reserve in the autumn.

News imageContributed A red gravel path leading to a black wooden building with a blue sign on its front reading: "RSPB". There are numerous plants on either side of the gravel path. Contributed
The RSPB previously said that "global and domestic financial pressures" were having an impact on the charity

"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," Rowlands said.

He added: "This will be our lasting legacy, and we are confident of its continued success with the National Trust."

The transfer also includes an area of land adjacent to the gardens and the RSPB, which has managed the site since 2011, said there would be no immediate changes to activities or the visitor experience.

News imageContributed A black and white image of two women, one holding a dog, the other holding a badger, within a frame on the exterior of a black, wooden-clad building. The is a small information sign next to the picture.Contributed
The gardens were gifted to the RSPB by local sisters Silvia and Margaret Richardson to provide a "living legacy" for nature

Flatford is famous for being the home of renowned artist Constable (1776-1837), who painted countless landscapes of scenes around the area including the Hay Wain.

The gardens boast wildlife and birds, a trail with carved wooden garden creatures, a pond, an insect and bee "hotel", a living willow tunnel and activity days and talks for children and adults.

Leigh Freeman, a National Trust area manager, said he was "delighted" to be working to secure the site's future and it would help "create a more joined-up experience for visitors" in the area.

"This is especially meaningful with the timing marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of John Constable," he added.

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