Somerset Wildlife Trust’s ’Wildlife Gardens’ season is much curtailed this year because of coronavirus but on Sunday (August 8 )the garden at Elworthy Cottage, Elworthy will be open.

This is a one-acre wildlife friendly garden in a tranquil setting with island beds, unusual perennials and ornamental trees and shrubs. It has been planted to encourage bees and butterflies with lots of birdsong and wildflower and meadow areas that should be full of butterflies on a sunny day.

Several different bumblebees have been spotted in the garden, visiting the many nectar-rich plants. Slow worms are often seen sunbathing in sheltered spots and the occasional grass snake in one of the compost heaps.

Hedgehogs regularly visit and last winter one collected a huge pile of leaves to hibernate under in a secluded corner. There is a decorative and productive vegetable garden and the plantsman’s nursery attached to the garden will be open at the same time which is stocked with lots of bee friendly plants.

Somerset Wildlife Trust has been protecting vulnerable wildlife and preserving wild places in Somerset for over 50 years. The trust’s ’Wildlife Gardens’ programme is aimed at inspiring gardeners to use their own gardens to help wildlife on their own doorstep and raise funds for the work of the Trust.

Elworthy Cottage is on the B3188 half-way between Wiveliscombe and Watchet and is open from 11am to 4pm entrance £4, children enter free. There will not be any refreshments available but visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and there are plenty of seats around the garden.

Further details on 01984 656437 or www.somersetwildlife.org.uk.