Ashton Grange Open Garden is back for a second time this year in support of Cheshire Wildlife Trust

Ashton Grange Open Garden is back for a second time this year in support of Cheshire Wildlife Trust

Ashton Grange is to open its gardens on Sunday 9th August for a second time this year following the success of their first event  earlier this month!

Ashton Grange is to open its gardens for a second time this year following the success of their first event  earlier this month which raised over £1,000 to protect local wildlife. The garden is being opened by Kate and Martin Slack in support of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. 

The present owners bought the property in 2015 and have nearly completed a major restoration project designed to benefit wildlife. 

“We’re over the moon that Kate and Martin have offered to open their stunning and extensive wildlife-friendly garden for us for a second time this year.  It’s a beautiful setting which will provide lots of inspiration for gardeners as well as a lovely afternoon out.  The pond, woodland and of course the wildflower meadow we helped to establish are just a few of the highlights to look out for,” said Jo Darlington, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

“Kate and Martin will be available on the day to answer questions about their garden and one of our team will be there to talk to people about the Trust’s work to bring wildlife back to Cheshire”, Jo added.

Much of the work in the garden area, approximately 3 acres, has involved the opening up of views by the removal of trees and much rampant rhododendron ponticum.  Several mature specimen trees, such as Tibetan cherry, handkerchief tree and a monkey puzzle tree have been uncovered during these clearance projects, which is both exciting and rewarding.

In autumn 2018, a wildflower meadow, approximately one acre, was sown with the help of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. This established well in its first year and it is hoped that more species will appear this year.  A four acre mature woodland has been extensively restored.  In December 2018 a new three acre native woodland was planted and this will be opened to visitors for the second time this year. In the garden and woodland there are tree carvings by Simon O'Rourke including two new carvings for 2020, “Sylvia” and “Quercus”. 

Event information following government guidelines:

To limit numbers and keep everyone safe, you can only visit by purchasing timed entry tickets in advance. Buy your tickets by visiting www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2020-08-09-ashton-grange-open-g… 

Charcoal will be available for donations.  There will be no refreshment sales but visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics.  Please note that toilet facilities will not be available.