The RHS run many schemes to encourage and acknowledge gardening in the widest sense. Wirral is in the area known as North West in Bloom (NWIB).
Last year Phil Putwain, chairman of New Ferry Butterfly Park, broached the idea of applying for an award as it is open to small, volunteer led community groups.
An initial visit from an RHS judge was made in January and we were encouraged to submit an application. This involved creating a portfolio with information about the three areas that would be assessed: community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement.
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| Common blue butterfly at New Ferry Butterfly Park. Photo: Roy Lowry |
New Ferry Butterfly Park has always been run by volunteers and been involved with the local community. The initial idea came from Mel Roberts who lived in a house overlooking the site. Over a thousand people came to our Opening Day in May, we took 450 people on guided visits and had 1050 visitors on Sunday afternoons this year. In total we have counted 34,890 visitors in the last 21 years.
About 50 volunteers are actively involved in practical management, wardening and hosting groups. Volunteers also do outreach events to publicise the Butterfly Park, going to schools and other organised events and giving talks.
Environmental responsibility is a keystone of our nature reserve and, as well as maintaining varied habitats within the site, the plants and insects are well and regularly recorded. Butterfly transects are carried out to give a reliable record of species found and changes over time. Monthly photography of the site and wildlife provide a valuable record.
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| Mel's Garden - a demonstration garden growing pollinator plants |
Gardening achievement has been interpreted based on our identity as a nature reserve. We have Mel’s Garden, our demonstration garden growing pollinator plants, and similar plants are sold on Sunday afternoons.
In July, Jason Lambert, an RHS Judge, came on a visit. Volunteers from different areas explained what they did and we gave him a comprehensive tour of the Butterfly Park. He admitted to being very impressed by what he saw and told us that assessment of entries would take place in July and August. We wouldn’t know the outcome of this until the Awards Ceremony in October.
On October 30th three volunteers set off to the venue at Bolton Wanderers FC stadium to await the results.
There are 5 levels of award, one to five. Imagine our delight when, on our first time of entering, the Butterfly Park won a Level 5 - Outstanding award. However, that wasn’t all. We were presented with a certificate and trophy as winner of the NWIB Gardening for Wildlife (Biodiversity) award. What an accolade for New Ferry Butterfly Park!
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| New Ferry Butterfly Park's Outstanding award! |
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| Our certificate for the NWIB Gardening for Wildlife (Biodiversity) award |
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| The NWIB Gardening for Wildlife (Biodiversity) trophy |
What a great end to this year's opening season!
Linda Higginbottom
Volunteer Co-ordinator
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