Sustainability
Nature doesn't rush, and neither do we. Our approach honours the land's natural rhythms, working with the seasons and creating spaces that heal both people and planet.
Our Approach
Growing With Nature
At Rooted Connections, sustainability isn't an afterthought. It's at the heart of everything we do. We believe that a truly thriving garden works with nature, not against it.
The Walled Garden has been growing food for over 250 years. Our job is to continue that tradition in a way that's fit for the challenges of the 21st century: climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need for more sustainable food systems.
By restoring this historic garden using sustainable methods, we're creating a model for how heritage spaces can contribute to a greener future.
How We Work
Our Sustainability Principles
These principles guide our approach to managing and developing the garden.
Organic Growing
We use organic methods throughout the garden, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers to protect wildlife and soil health.
Water Conservation
We're implementing rainwater harvesting and water-efficient irrigation to reduce our environmental impact.
Wildlife Friendly
We create habitats for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, working with nature rather than against it.
Composting & Recycling
All green waste is composted on site, returning nutrients to the soil and reducing waste.
Climate-Resilient Planting
We're choosing plants that will thrive in changing climate conditions, ensuring the garden's long-term viability.
Heritage Varieties
We're preserving heritage fruit and vegetable varieties, maintaining genetic diversity and connecting to the garden's history.
Biodiversity
Creating Habitats for Wildlife
A healthy garden is a living ecosystem. We're creating spaces for wildlife throughout the Walled Garden, from wildflower meadows to log piles, bird boxes to bug hotels.
By encouraging biodiversity, we create natural pest control, improve pollination, and make the garden a more interesting and beautiful place to visit.
Our wildlife-friendly approach means you might spot butterflies, bees, birds, and other creatures as you explore the garden.
Nature at Home
Garden Wildlife
The garden provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Here are some of the creatures you might encounter.
Soil Health
No-Dig Gardening
We're adopting no-dig methods in parts of the garden, which help protect soil structure, retain moisture, and support the complex ecosystem of organisms that live in healthy soil.
By adding compost and mulch to the surface rather than digging it in, we let worms and other soil life do the work of incorporating organic matter. This approach also reduces the amount of physical labour required, making gardening more accessible.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive, sustainable garden. It stores carbon, holds water, and provides nutrients for plants.
Climate Action
Gardens have an important role to play in addressing climate change. They can sequester carbon, reduce urban heat, manage water runoff, and support biodiversity.
At the Walled Garden, we're committed to being part of the solution. We're planting trees and hedges, creating wildlife habitats, and choosing plants that will thrive in a changing climate.
We're also working to reduce our operational carbon footprint through sustainable practices and local sourcing.