The RSPCA Garden at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show has picked up a prestigious silver-gilt medal from the judging panel. It spreads an inspiring message about reversing wildlife decline.
Our RSPCA wildlife garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 marks the start of our 200th anniversary celebrations in 2024. This garden is a modern interpretation of a wildlife sanctuary. It is filled with ideas for wildlife lovers across the country to recreate at home, whatever space they have available. The garden aims to inspire gardeners, who are the secret weapon against wildlife decline.
Contemporary, stylish design
Award-winning designer Martyn Wilson has created our design to show that a wildlife garden needn’t be scruffy. It can look contemporary, stylish and well-kept, showcasing high-end art and design, while still providing sanctuary to a wide range of species. All the features in the garden use natural, sustainable or recycled materials, and show how we can have a positive impact on biodiversity.
Native trees and shrubs that are vital for birds and wildlife can be seen in the RSPCA Chelsea garden. Planting is in a multi-layered naturalistic style in shades of green, whites and tones of blue. It includes more than 2,200 pollinator-friendly plants.
Symbolic water feature
A central water feature formed from a 9m long rill made of recycled plastic waste is a reference to the RSPCA rescuing almost 4,000 animals trapped in or injured by litter last year (2022). Providing movement, sound and a drink for wildlife, it symbolises the rescue-rehabilitate-release cycle of care given to thousands of animals at the charity’s four specialist wildlife centres. The RSPCA was called to help almost 1,000 wild marine animals last year, and more than 72,000 wild birds – almost 200 every single day.
Future generations
TV presenter and RSPCA vice president Steve Backshall visited the garden and said we owe it to future generations to take action now. He fears that some of our much-loved British wildlife may be consigned to zoos without urgent action. Other celebrity visitors include Joanna Lumley, Jo Whiley, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Brian May and many more.
Wildlife is under threat – but we all have the power to change that. Together, we can ensure more animals thrive.
The garden was generously funded by Project Giving Back. Find out more on the RSPCA’s website or contact the RSPCA press office at press@rspca.org.uk.
