The Firs environmental research station

Following the removal of an experimental plot, rather than returning to mown lawn, an area of the garden has been placed under management as a hay meadow. Starting from the natural flora, we have seeded in species from various ecology experiments and benefited from the research expertise in grasslands. Species include Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca), and Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) a parasitic plant that attaches to the roots of dominant grasses and weakens them, allowing more diversity to develop.

Constructed in the 1950s alongside a picturesque rockery, the Firs’ pond has long been a focal point of the site, with frequent monitoring and management to maintain biodiversity. In 1994, it was revitalised to address lining damage as well as adding fresh fish stocks and a water fountain. More recently, collaboration with the University’s student botany society has enabled new repairs and restoration. These have been undertaken with a focus on restoring habitats for aquatic wildlife and birds, through natural planting. A variety of native species of water plants, such as Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) , Water lily (Nymphaea alba), Native fern (Osmunda regalis) and Yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus) have been planted, as well as some non-natives to increase the flowering season. Additional features such as gravel shallows, boggy edges and transitional plants are included in the new design to enhance biodiversity.

An overgrown area of trees and shrubs in the corner of our site has recently been open up, to allow us to plant a forest garden, including a range of native woodland species, such as bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), wood anemone (Anemonoides nemorosa), and dog’s mercury (Mercuralis perennis).