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Ness Botanic Garden guardians Mrs Freda Ferguson, Barbara Shuttleworth, and Robert Allen Lomas have continued their story at Ness through their lasting legacy. Together, they enabled the fulfilment of the Roundhouse Project, which was completed in July 2024 and built in the Spinney woodland at Ness Gardens. This marvellous addition to Ness provides a fantastic setting for the Little Acorns preschool sessions, which run twice a week for children aged 1–5 years, who are accompanied by their grown-ups.
Ellie Hill, Ness Education Lead, explains why these extraordinary gifts will help cultivate a love for the outdoors, enhance education, and promote well-being at Ness:
“The Roundhouse has provided us with much needed shelter during the winter months – meaning that, despite the weather, we are able to run outdoor sessions for our Little Acorns These sessions give families the opportunity to get outside and socialise with others.
The Roundhouse keeps us protected from the elements, while we all enjoy the firepit to keep warm and toast marshmallows (a firm favourite activity).
It’s wonderful to see everyone enjoying the outdoors, whatever the season. Grown-ups bringing their little ones along have commented:
‘My child has developed an interest in the outdoors. They point out flowers and plants and also want to help grow and watch the strawberries in our garden.’
‘Out of the seven days in the week, this is by far my grandchild’s favourite day because of Little Acorns.’
‘Wish there were more sessions like this – we look forward to Little Acorns all week.’
We also use the Roundhouse for bird ringing demonstrations, giving the bird ringers a great space to set up their equipment and carry out the scientific work they do.
We regularly have over 100 people attend our bird ringing demonstrations. All who attend are fascinated by the range of birds we get here at Ness. At the last bird ringing session, we had 76 birds – none of which were adults – showing that it has been a good year for blue tits and great tits to grow. The act of bird ringing helps track populations and study migratory birds.
The Roundhouse is also used for forest bathing sessions, allowing participants to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings the woodland offers.
We are so grateful to our Garden Guardians who choose to support Ness. The Roundhouse allows us to continue enjoying nature in the woodlands and creating memories for families that will last a lifetime.”
You can become a Ness Garden Guardian by making a gift to support and protect our Gardens. By making a donation or considering a gift in your Will, you can help ensure Ness remains a place of beauty for future generations. Interested? Contact: Carolyn Jones for further information.