© Joshua Copping
Wildlife Gardening course
8-week introductory Wildlife Gardening course in May
Join Cumbria Wildlife Trust for this 8-week introductory course and learn how to create a garden that welcomes and supports wildlife. Whether you have a small urban space or a large garden, this course will give you the skills to transform it into a thriving habitat.
© Gavin Dickson
Start date: 20 May 2025
Where: In person at Gosling Sike, Houghton, Cumbria.
When: Tuesday evenings, 18:30 – 21:00
During this Wildlife Gardening course:
You'll gain practical skills to support nature in your garden through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on activities.
Each week, expert speakers and Cumbria Wildlife Trust staff will guide you through wildlife gardening techniques, from improving soil health and planting to creating meadows, ponds, and homes for wildlife.
The course will also include practical elements and students will have the chance to design spaces themselves.
© Abi Paine
Course topics:
Week 1: Introduction to Wildlife Gardening
Week 2: Soils and growing media
Week 3: Arranging your garden for wildlife
Week 4: Growing plants to support nature
Week 5: Lawns and pollinators
Week 6: Additions for wildlife
Week 7: Water in the garden
Week 8: Bringing it all together
By the end of this Wildlife Gardening course, you'll have completed 20 hours of contact time and 10 hours of personal study, earning a Cumbria Wildlife Trust certificate in Wildlife Gardening.
A leaf-cutter bee in a bug house © Vaughn Matthews
Who is this Wildlife Gardening course designed for?
It's open to everyone aged 18+, and no prior gardening experience is needed.
You don’t need to have a garden to take part but you'll need access to one to complete some of the tasks – this could be a friend or relative's garden or community garden. If this is an issue or you have any accessibility concerns, please let us know by emailing us.
