Description

To mark the launch of our new partnership with the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) Head of Experience Developments, Simon Rose will be joined by National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, George Plumptre to tell the story of wetlands both in the wider environment and in our gardens.

Simon will talk about why wetlands are a key tool in the fight against climate change and, with many being lost in our countryside, why gardens are an increasingly important and valuable habitat where we can take practical steps to bring water and wildlife into our private spaces. He will talk about garden wetlands from ponds and water features to rills, bogs and rain gardens and what practical considerations you need to ensure a healthy habitat.

George will then take us on a journey through some of the most beautiful, water-enhanced gardens in the National Garden Scheme portfolio and show that any water in your garden – from a wetland and lake to a tiny recycled sink, can make all the difference to wildlife survival and the biodiversity of our gardens.

About Simon Rose

Simon has nearly forty years’ experience in the landscape industry. Starting off on a commercial nursery he cut his conservation teeth with the Urban Wildlife Group in Birmingham, before spending a few valuable years in local authority.  Moving to Pershore College of Horticulture Simon spent ten years teaching landscape and garden design, interspersed with building gardens for various flower shows, including a memorable one with international students at Pacific Flora in Japan. 
 
In 2005 Simon became Head of Experience Developments at WWT, where he leads a small team designing and building new exhibits and other projects at WWT Wetland Centres around the UK.  This work includes pond zones, gardens, canoe safaris and ‘wild walks’, animal and bird exhibits, conservation breeding projects and bird hides, as well as less glamourous infrastructure such as car parks and the odd composting toilet.