The Fairfield Association is organising an “open yardens” this coming weekend in the Fairfield area of Lancaster (25th – 26th June 2022, between 1 and 4.00pm). 20 yardens, both gardens and back yards, will be open throughout the weekend.
“The theme is ‘gardening for wildlife’,” Chair of the Fairfield Association, Hilary Short, explains. “As well as being beautiful places to visit, yardens will have one or more wildlife-friendly features such as: ponds, pollinating flowers, nesting boxes, bird feeders, bird baths, wild areas, meadow areas, insect hotels, hedgehog homes.
“Our hope is that people can share ideas and tips to improve their own yarden. We want people to enjoy nature in their own back yard!”
There are yardens open all over the west of Lancaster. From Regent and Portland Street, Cromwell and Aldcliffe Roads and into Haverbreaks. And why not visit the Aldcliffe yarden, with great views of the nature reserve fields and the castle? Plus, there are further yardens on Abraham Heights, Fairfield and then a wildlife-friendly back yard on Long Marsh Lane.
“Discover the hidden gems of our local gardens and yards,” encourages Sue Nieduszynski, one of the organisers. “In an urban area every green space however small can be a home for wildlife , and linked together can make nature an integral part of the city.”
The Fairfield Association, a registered charity, was formed by residents and friends of the Fairfield area of Lancaster in October 1996, in response to the threat of housing development on a long-established childrens play area, Fairfield Green. The Fairfield Association saved the play area, improved it and installed new play equipment (2004). In 2012, Fairfield Green was given QE II status which ensures its status as a recreational area in perpetuity.
Other projects have followed. In 2000, the Millennium Green and Community Orchard was created and in 2012/13 the Fairfield Association established nature reserves on farmland nearby, first Fauna, then Flora. All the Association’s projects have been initiated by the community, and the organisation is committed to full public consultation throughout the period that plans are being developed.
The Fairfield Association Flora and Fauna Nature Reserve is soon to be formally designated as a Local Nature Reserve which will give the area extra protection and ensure it appears on the Local Plan and OS maps.
A £5 ticket allows you to visit all the yardens over the two days.
• For more information, or to buy a ticket online visit www.fairfieldassociation.org/yardens