Take a walk on the wild side at Knoll Gardens

Wimborne-based Knoll Gardens has invited wildlife experts to take part in its annual garden wildlife survey and they will be on hand on 8 August from 10am – 3pm to help visitors and volunteers identify as many species as possible during this year’s annual count.

Guided butterfly and dragonfly walks will take place late morning and early afternoon led by Knoll’s expert, Keith Powrie. Mark Spencer, president of the Bournemouth Natural Science Society will be identifying the moths collected the previous night. Stuart Roberts, distinguished entomologist and chair of the UK Bee, Wasp and Ants Recording Society (BWARS) will be helping Knoll’s resident bumblebee surveyor, and the RSPB will be on hand to help with recording, identify the birds, and many other creatures that visit and make their homes in Knoll’s naturalistic garden. Dorset Wildlife Trust will also be in the garden all day. DWT organised the first wildlife survey at Knoll four years ago and have supported the event ever since. Its team of staff, experts and wildlife enthusiasts will be hoping to find even more species than in 2016.

Peter Gear, Chairman of the Knoll Gardens Foundation said, “ Our annual garden wildlife survey is an important part of the charity’s work at Knoll. Every August we ask people to come and join us to take a snapshot of all the garden’s creatures. This helps us to find out more about the relationship between our plants, our naturalistic planting style and Knoll’s wildlife, and creates a clear record of which species thrive in our Wimborne garden.

“Whilst the survey work is hugely important to the charity, the annual garden survey is also a wonderful way to find out more about the creatures you may see in your own garden, re-engage with nature, and spend some time in this glorious garden environment.”

The annual garden wildlife survey is suitable for all ages, and for beginners as well as those with more knowledge. The cost of garden admission will be divided between all the charities involved. Anyone already a member or volunteering with RSPB, DWT, BNSS and BWARS and wanting to help out will be admitted free of charge.