Alder Walk: a new mindful haven of wetland woodland
Wander off the beaten track through pollinator paradise.
The Grounds team have transformed a previously underused native wet woodland into a mindfulness haven.
The focal point of ‘Alder Walk’ is a passageway of alder trees, a species which thrives in wetlands. Their deep roots help to maintain the soil in river banks and reduce the effects of erosion, while helping to filter pollutants from run-off water. Alder trees also improve soil fertility through their ability to capture nitrogen from the air.
The project had sustainability at its heart, utilising natural material from the site and featuring native species. Recycled fence panels have been transformed into sculptural insect hotels, and the wood chip path was created from trees pollarded or coppiced over winter. As you follow the winding path, the area opens out into a crane viewing gallery at a safe distance behind native hedging, log piles and brash hedges. The brash hedges are also made using hazel poles coppiced from site and infilled using alder, willow and hazel.
Two eye-catching 7-foot high alder leaves woven from willow by artist Oakey Bear are spaced along the walk amongst wildflower meadows, matching the style of our beautiful moon gate in the Estuary Shoreline Garden. You'll also find lovely seating areas between the trees — perfect spots for quiet contemplation, listening to birdsong, or seeing who's visiting the pollinator towers.
Chris Rixton, Grounds Manager says:
“We wanted to immerse our visitors in an area that they haven't been able to visit before and give them a peaceful place to wander. This project was the perfect opportunity to showcase sustainability and demonstrate how grounds management can benefit local wildlife.”
Already the area has attracted siskins and goldfinches, who feed on alder seeds over winter. The delicate catkins also provide food for caterpillars and moths, and are an early source of nectar and pollen for bees. As the area becomes more established, further wildlife will begin to call it home.
Come and experience Alder Walk for yourself on your next visit.
