A nocturnal garden features a dark bat ear sculpture, a black bench, and slate steps nestled among dense dark-leaved shrubs and mixed wildflowers.
All About Plants Silver Medal

The Bat Conservation Trust's Nocturnal Garden

Designed by Melanie Hick
About this garden

The story

The Bat Conservation Trust's Nocturnal Garden demonstrates how easy it is to grow plants that support our 18 resident British bat species. These plants attract the small insects that bats feast on and are simple to grow in the UK. The garden reminds us that after we enjoy our gardens during the day, bats and other wildlife can benefit from our plant choices long after we've retired for the evening.

A striking bat-like sculpture by UK artist Tach Pollard, graces the space, its curves and angles inspired by the shape of a bat's wings. The rear boundary is designed to be dismantled and repurposed into bat boxes when the garden is relocated. At its heart lies a dark water pool, a tranquil spot to rest and watch bats acrobatic flight while reflecting on the future for bats in the UK.

This beautiful, naturalistic garden is easy to recreate at home and will help support bats and the insects they rely on. The bat theme runs throughout, in the garden's shape, the sculpture and the educational messaging provided by bat experts.

Awards

Recognition

The people behind it

Designer

Wider Team 1

Step inside

360° tour

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Photography

Gallery

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Planting

Plant list

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Key Plants 5

Brought to life by

Organisations