Planting for the future gives helping hand to wildlife at Sheringham Park

This planting forms part of a wider programme of work, to conserve the significant collection at Sheringham Park, arguably the best surviving example of landscape gardener, Humphry Repton's work.

In response to changes in the climate, a two-pronged approach is being taken by the conservation charity to maintain and diversify the park’s Wild Garden and secure its future in the face of hotter and drier summers. As part of the work, the most important rhododendron species are being migrated to more temperate locations lower down the valley and the more invasive species, such as ponitcum, is being removed.

Over the coming decades, it’s hoped that the newly planted trees will create a functional tree canopy that will shade some of the most important rhododendron species. The newly planted trees will also help diversify the woodland and replace trees that were too densely packed or had reached the end of their life.

In the Wild Garden, 180 new specimen trees were planted, including striking red maple, Colorado Blue Spruce, Japanese cedar and Tibetan cherry.

The team has also created a new lilac bank that, come next spring, will add further interest for visitors and benefit wildlife. 15 different varieties of vibrant and fragrant lilac shrubs will provide an elongated blossom season, in addition to the technicolour rhododendron display the park is renowned for. Lilacs of varying heights and spread have been chosen, with colours ranging from white to deep purple and blue to vibrant pink, filling the air with scent like gently spiced almond.

The new lilac bank has been positioned on the steep west-facing side of a valley overlooking part of the Ramblers Route. The area will slot into the landscape like a puzzle piece, linking with aged lilacs in the Wild Garden, fruit trees in the nearby Heritage Orchard and bramble blossom and wildflowers found along the meandering valley corridor.

With its plentiful supply of nectar, it’s hoped this new bank of planting will go on to support a thriving population of butterflies including Comma, Orange Tip and Speckled Wood and hopefully attract more species, such as Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral.