Local Environment Groups Conference: Wildlife Gardening for All

Local Environment Groups Conference: Wildlife Gardening for All realiza-se a 7 de novembro de 2026, Asthall Manor, em Asthall.

We have some exciting speakers lined up, talking on topics related to encouraging nature into your gardens. All are welcome, no matter the size of your garden or level of knowledge! Read on to get a feel for what to expect at the conference. Speakers Dr Steve Head: Gardens are unique and important habitats Although initially dismissed by early ecologists, we now know that gardens are exceptionally biodiverse, particularly in their abundance of insects and other invertebrates. The talk will review some of the evidence for this, as well as the ecological and human factors that give rise to their diversity. Steve has built up and is now Founder Patron of the Wildlife Gardening Forum, a registered charity which has thousands of members. Steve works closely with the RHS and has appeared with Monty Don and Carol Klein on BBC2 Gardener’s World and on numerous other television and radio programmes. Dr Caitlin McLaughlin: Garden design and plant combinations - what impact can they have on localised ecosystem service delivery? Caitlin will delve into her PhD thesis, ‘Garden design and plant combinations - what impact can they have on localised ecosystem service delivery? ’ in her talk. She has a passion for garden plants and ecosystem services and a career dedicated to improving these spaces to maximise their environmental benefits. She has worked at the Royal Horticultural Society, Wild Oxfordshire, Kew Gardens and the Natural History Museum, as well as creating award winning garden designs. Kathy Wormald: Just Add Water Kathy's talk will touch upon garden and allotment ponds, what is required to make a garden or allotment pond amphibian and wider wildlife friendly, why garden and allotment ponds are important for wildlife, the importance of recording the wildlife you see in your ponds and where and how to enter your amphibian and reptile data. With ideas of being a journalist like Kate Adie when she was younger, Kathy now says that she is in her dream job working with the ‘can do’ attitude of Froglife staff and actively contributing something positive through their conservation work. Dr Julian Parfitt: Wildlife garden design to support birds and wider biodiversity - how can bio-acoustic monitoring help? Wildlife gardening has placed much emphasis on birds and how to support populations through feeding, provision of nest boxes, garden plantings and water. But, what about less dominant bird species or nocturnal species, such as bats, owls and moths? How can wildlife gardening take account of the wider assemblage of species that may be present and balance their needs? Dr Julian Parfitt, is an independent ecological consultant working for Sustainable Wantage, Oxfordshire Nature Project and volunteering for RSPB Otmoor, the Letcombe Brook Project and the Woodland Trust. Speed Updates There is an opportunity to give a 2 minute speed update if you would like to speak about a particular nature project, achievements or upcoming events and opportunities. Please email jessica@wildoxfordshire.org.uk if you would like to be involved. Outdoor session at Asthall Manor Kitchen Garden “Some for the Birds, Some for the Bugs and Some for Us - finding the healthy balance for food, people and biodiversity in Asthall Manor Kitchen Garden". This will take place after the conference and will be held outdoors. If you would like to take part in this please email jessica@wildoxfordshire.org.uk as spaces are limited. Food and drink This event is catered so please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book your ticket. Damascus Rose Kitchen will be supplying a vegan meal. There will be tea and coffee available throughout the day. Travel and parking Please share car lifts where possible as parking may be limited! Carpool with trusted, reviewed and rated Liftshare.com members Parking There will be parking available on the grass field across from the Manor entrance at what3words: ///brink.strikers.resolved. If the weather has been particularly rainy this will only be available for 4X4s at their own risk. There is also free parking along the road at what3words: ///arose.garlic.serves. If you have accessibility needs please email jessica@wildoxfordshire.org.uk and we will provide a location for you to park. By Bus The nearest bus stop is the Farmers Dog on Burford Road, approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the venue. Bus routes serving the area include the OX4, 233 and 234. By Taxi 001 taxis: 01865 240000 Abdul’s taxis: 07944 863098 Go Green taxis: 01993 845845 Tammi’s Taxis – 01993 776976 Wychwood Taxis – 07756 669744 Fares vary depending on the time of day. Photography Wild Oxfordshire would love to capture the event and will be taking photographs throughout the day. If you would rather not be photographed or filmed, then please let us know at the start of the event. We have free tickets available if cost is a barrier to your attending the event. Please contact jessica@wildoxfordshire.org.uk if you would like to request one.