Did you know that Britain’s gardens occupy more space than all our nature reserves put together?
So how can we best share our gardens with nature, and how can you help?
Being thoughtful about how we design and maintain our gardens – with wildlife in mind – is one of the key aims of the Knoll Gardens Foundation, the charitable arm of Knoll Gardens, near Wimborne.
Through its lively and committed team of volunteers, the charity helps support the care of Knoll Gardens, offers educational activities and events to the local community and also undertakes regular wildlife surveys.
Engaging with local community groups is a priority for the Foundation, and over the summer they have offered free garden access to a number of local art and photography groups.

An exhibition of some of the amazing photographic work to come out of this collaboration, was displayed as part of the Foundation’s recent open day.
Lauren King from bh photography club captured the winning image and was presented with two annual passes for the gardens, enabling her to visit the gardens – and continue to be inspired by the wonderful wildlife.
The charity also has big plans for the future, with projects to better help visitors understand and learn from their wildlife-friendly approach and to inspire more people to adopt sustainable gardening practices at home.
The foundation is seeking a new trustee, with a background in ecology, to advise on survey/research methodology.
If you would like join the foundation team as a trustee or volunteer, contact foundation@knollgardens.co.uk.
knollgardensfoundation.org.