Keedwell Wildlife Garden – a patch of wildness in the middle of Long Ashton

Have you noticed the change in the tiny garden attached to Keedwell Church over the last eighteen months? More wild plants such as pink campion, ragged robin and yellow loosestrife have blossomed in the long grasses alongside the existing jasmine and honeysuckle. And much more is happening right now to ensure that next year there's even more native plants taking pride of place in the heart of the village. 

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Since last June, LANCE Trust’s Amanda Barrett has been working closely with volunteers from the community at Keedwell Church to utilise existing plants and wildlife as well as creating and nurturing new life at Keedwell Wildlife Garden (KWG). So far, it’s been encouraging to receive such a positive response from people passing by as KWG has settled into its rhythm this year. As ever, our focus has been on creating a space where nature is given the time and conditions it needs to thrive — and where the community can feel part of that ongoing work.

Amanda has been working hard at the garden

Our planting continues to follow the principles of supporting local biodiversity, and many of the plants introduced earlier in the year are now establishing well. Long grasses are vital for many insects and added to this there are now around 40 locally sourced meadow and hedgerow plant species. As it was before, this small patch of wildness in the middle of Long Ashton is alive with grasshoppers, bees and other pollinators whilst we've kept in mind the needs of previous residents such as slow worms and toads. 

One of the most recent and lovely additions to the space is the new sign created by local artist Clare Orr and LANCE Trust Trustee Pete Andresen (also of Somerset Bodgers) - a wonderful piece of art that captures the spirit of KWG with warmth and imagination. A reminder of how creativity, community and conservation can sit so naturally together.

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Pete and the new sign featuring Claire's beautiful paintings

Behind the scenes, a small group of dedicated volunteers has been lightly tending the garden and watering through the heatwave. In a sign of the times with our unpredictable and fast-changing climate, they have become grateful for every rain shower. Meanwhile, other volunteers are nurturing trays of plant plugs for autumn planting. It’s slow, careful work - watering, shading, hardening off - but it’s exactly the kind of attention that makes a difference in the long term. These plugs will boost the number of species, extending the flowering time and even though it's a tiny garden, KWG can become a showcase for the wonderful variety of the UK's native plants that provide both habitat and food for Britain's wildlife.

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As a result, we hope KWG will evolve with the seasons and that people will enjoy watching its progress — and see how life can flourish when a community works together, patiently, and with purpose.