Almshouse gardens transformed into wildlife haven

The grounds of St John’s Hospital in Heytesbury have been transformed from formally maintained lawns into a thriving haven for wildlife and a more peaceful environment for residents, staff and visitors.

The hospital is an historic 15th-century almshouse providing affordable, independent housing for older people, and when a new member of staff Karen Riggs first visited in 2023 she noticed that, despite the grounds being immaculate, there was little wildlife.

 

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“The lawns were neatly trimmed, the hedges perfectly maintained, and everything looked orderly and cared for,” said Karen. “Yet despite the beauty of the landscape, something was missing – it was silent. There were very few birdsong-filled mornings because there were almost no insects, no wildflowers, and very little habitat to support wildlife.

“With support from the hospital and the trustees, a new vision emerged: to rewild the grounds, increase biodiversity, and create an environment that would benefit both wildlife and residents.”

One of the first steps was to make the grounds completely pesticide-free, with slug pellets and weed killers removed. Hedges are now left untouched during nesting season and areas of grass are allowed to grow longer.

Some grassed areas have been converted into allotments where residents can grow vegetables, while other sections have been left wild. A dedicated wildlife area, including a pond, has also been created.

The project has also focused on encouraging residents to spend more time outdoors, with safe pathways and seating areas providing places to relax and socialise.

Sustainability measures include the installation of 12 water butts, reduced mowing and a move away from petrol-powered equipment towards electric alternatives.

Reducing mowing has also allowed native wildflowers and wild orchids to emerge, while new flower beds have been designed to provide food for bees and butterflies throughout the year.

A resident who keeps bees helped introduce hives to the site and St John’s now produces its own honey.

The grounds also feature a new polytunnel and potting sheds, allowing plants to be grown on site. Composting systems have been improved to reduce waste and provide nutrient-rich compost for future planting.

The changes have been accompanied by a noticeable increase in wildlife, with bats regularly visiting the grounds and birds including swifts, swallows, goldfinches and woodpeckers being spotted. Red kites have also been seen flying overhead.

Initiatives such as No Mow May and the continued expansion of wildflower areas are part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to improve biodiversity.

“Today, the grounds at St John’s are no longer silent,” said Karen. “They are alive with movement, birdsong, and colour.

“What began as a simple idea to reintroduce nature has become something far greater: a thriving haven for wildlife and a peaceful, restorative environment for residents, staff, and visitors alike. And this is only the beginning!”