Fourteen gardens in the South Nottinghamshire village of Gotham will open on Sunday 17th July to raise funds for the Gotham Nature Reserve Trust (GNR) and the 1st Gotham Scout Group.
Visitors to the Open Gardens event will be able to visit the Nature Reserve between 10.30 am – 12.30 pm and then criss-cross the village gardens between 1 pm – 6 pm. From contemporary terraced, to traditional cottage and family-friendly gardens, the owners will be providing horticultural inspiration and ideas. Visitors also get a chance to walk round the Gotham Glebe Allotments community plots which proved so popular during the pandemic.
Maypole Dancing by Gotham Primary School pupils, a plant stall, and home-made refreshments means there will be plenty of ways to support the two organisations.
The Trust manages the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the edge of the village which includes the unique grassland of Gotham Sandbanks, part of Gotham Hill Pastures.
GNR Chairman Martin Nunn says: “Open Garden events bring people from all walks of life together in a love of gardening. Whatever size of garden we have, we always take away little ideas and try them out at home. Whether we look after a balcony, a modern garden, or a Nature Reserve, we are all doing our bit to protect the precious biodiversity that helps us all to thrive.”
The SSSI was designated by Natural England in 1983 and recognises Gotham Hill Pastures’ unique species-rich grassland. The event is a contribution to the wider efforts to protect vital habitats that are a haven for pollinating insects and other invertebrates. Over 90% of the world’s crops rely on pollination so they are vital for food production. However, these insects are vulnerable to climate change, land clearance, competition from invasive species and some pesticides.
Proceeds from the Open Gardens event will be shared with 1st Gotham Scouts to support the valuable work they do with young people in the village. Funds are needed to provide resources such as arts and crafts materials and camping equipment to help with badge challenges and in the different stages of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
The Gotham Open Gardens event has received sponsorship support from Notcutts (Wheatcroft) Garden Centre and is supported by a team of volunteers from across the village.