Award-winning Garden
Just a week ago, Bowcliffe Hall Gardens was announced as the winner of The Landscape Stewardship Award within ‘Public Realm and Landscape’ as part of the Leeds Architecture Awards. This is an award that celebrates projects that have made a significant impact on protecting and enhancing a landscape, creatively connecting people with their environment. It confirms what we already knew, we really do have some of the most beautiful, considered grounds in Yorkshire.
Enchanting Spring
As springtime moves ever closer, the grounds become particularly enchanting. Hundreds, or perhaps even thousands of snowdrops fill the borders, beds and woodland in abundance; a welcome sign that spring is not far away. We spoke to Head Gardener, Anna, about what we should look out for as we wander the Estate;- the wildlife, the flowers and what the Garden Teams are currently working on…
Our Wildlife
We are always fascinated by the wildlife that can be found at Bowcliffe Hall. As the seasons change, many creatures continue their hibernation period, but one constant is our bird life. We have common species like blackbirds, robins and wrens, but also rarer residents such as nuthatches, tree creepers, song and mistle thrushes. One tiny individual that is rare (but that we have in abundance here on the Estate) is the goldcrest. At 9cm it is the UK’s smallest bird and is attracted to the Bowcliffe conifers for food and nesting – keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful little birds.
In the gardens we are also attentive to signs of other wildlife such as hedgehogs. We have a suspected hedgehog nest within one of the borders which we have been careful to protect from leaf clearing and ensure it has been left undisturbed. Share your wildlife walks at Bowcliffe with us over on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Planting Projects
We have been busy extending the native tree mix on the cricket field to continue to add to our wonderful backdrop of trees to enhance a wildlife corridor. The mix includes Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) Wild Cherry, (Prunus Avium) Elder (Sambucus nigra) Birch (Betula pendula/Alba) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium).
We are also about to carry out a big project in the borders along the front of the hall to enhance the arrival experience. Clipped Topiary will offer structural impact and elegance in the form of cones and beautiful standard balls. Watch this space!
See the Gardens for Yourself – Our Spring Garden Tour
If you haven’t already, make sure you book your place on the Bowcliffe Spring Garden Tour, happening on Wednesday 10th April. The Garden Team will lead you through the magnificent grounds to see the Estate in all its springtime glory. After the tour is over, you’ll make your way to the stunning Bowcliffe Room to enjoy an indulgent Afternoon Tea, served with a delicious glass of Prosecco – make sure you join us!
