Background

Throughout the history of the garden, the aim has always been to create a biodiverse space, with as many species of plants and animals as possible.

We work with the council's Biodiversity Officer as well as knowledgeable people in our own community to make sure the garden space is a good habitat for native plants and animals. We also put on events so that the local community can enjoy meeting and learning about the creatures that share this rich habitat. In 2026, we counted 62 different species of moth at our annual Bath and Moth Event!

Climate Resilience

Alongside the season to season tending to the garden, we are working where we can to adapt the garden for a changing climate. One current project is to set up a water reclamation system so that we can refill the pond and water fruit trees as much from our own water supply as possible.

Education

As well as sharing knowledge as peers in organised gardening sessions, we have run family-friendly events for children to pot up plants, do some (supervised) pond dipping, and more.

One member of our Gill, is an expert botanist, an has been tracking plants in flower as well as helping to educate our community:

list of species found in garden by month

We also have a 'minibeast mansion' at the garden. You can learn more about the fascinating critters that drop in for a night there below! Click to see a diagram helping to identify insects.

 

Native habitats

You can click the link here to see a formal plan for the garden from 2020. It shows how thoughtfully laid out the garden is with different areas meant for different kinds of plants and animals. For example, we have a native hedge on two sides of the garden, and a pond designed to be a home for wildlife. The use of space has changed a little since this plan was submitted to Cambridge City Council, but the goal remains the same.

In the photo album below, you can see how this vision has come to life.