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Floral haven is a piece of haven
A QUIET floral haven has been unveiled at a wildlife centre – by the man who designed it.
Award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw paid a visit to Saltholme, near Hartlepool, to open the walled wildlife garden he created.
Chris was one of the BBC's presenters at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year and is well-known for his popular TV programmes such as The Flying Gardener, Hidden Gardens, Great Garden Detectives and BBC1's Wild about your Garden.
He designed the Saltholme garden to be peaceful, intriguing and dramatic.
Chris said: "Creating a garden that is friendly to wildlife doesn't preclude creating an aesthetically rewarding space for gardeners to enjoy too.
"I hope that everyone who visits Saltholme finds enjoyment and inspiration to create a haven in their gardens."
Dave Braithwaite, Saltholme's site manager, said: "The garden is an amazing place for people, as much as it is for wildlife. Find a quiet corner, watch the bees in their constant quest for the best buds, listen to the birds and marvel at the intricate tracery of the trees in the stumpery – it's a small piece of paradise.
"Many of the ideas Chris has used in the Saltholme walled garden can be copied by anyone at home – although the upside-down trees might be a bit of a challenge.
"Keeping wildlife in mind when you're out in the garden is really vital and, even if it's only a small plot you dedicate to the birds and bees, then you'll be doing a great service to this country's wonderful wildlife."
Saltholme has been developed in partnership by the RSPB and Teesside Environmental Trust and has been supported by many local organisations.
It has seen a 2.4m investment from One North East.
It opened in January and its attractions also include a two-storey visitor centre housing two classrooms, a meeting room, offices for 10 people and breathtaking views of the nature reserve.
Three architect-designed bird hides are now open.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
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