Nestled beside St Cuthbert’s RC Church on Ropery Lane, the St Cuthbert and St Bede's Church Garden is a hidden jewel which – on a walk down this busy road in Chester-le-Street – could be easily missed.

But step inside and it is clear to see why this garden has a dazzling repertoire of awards: RHS Northumbria in Bloom Gold since 2016 and best in category three times during this period!

Borders bustling with pollinators – I spotted a peacock butterfly and a bee-fly in a bushel of forget-me-nots on my first visit, and a much fluffier bumble-bee on a peony on my second – curve around a well-kept lawn. There are towers of peach-coloured poppies, spires of lupins and star-studded allium globes. In the top left-hand corner of the garden, there is also a garden dedicated to native wildlife.

It is this passion to protect wildlife which brought Durham Wildlife Trust and gardeners, Mike and Julie, together in hosting this wonderful event.

Inside the church hall, teas, coffees, scones and a selection of cakes and tray bakes, including lemon drizzle, gluten-free carrot cake, vegan cherry and coconut flapjack and tiffin, were available.

On the other side of the hall, the Durham Wildlife Trust stand was laden with garden-themed gifts, such as bee-bombs, plant trugs and Durham Wildlife Trust caps. There was also a tombola and a raffle for two exciting prizes – an overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle City Centre and two tickets to a 2024 Durham Cricket game at Seat Riverside Durham.

The Trust was lucky enough to welcome local wildlife horticulturist, John Grundy, from Wilderness Tamed for a fascinating talk on wildlife gardening. This talk included information on the native species we can hope to encourage to our outdoor spaces by taking a more natural approach to gardening. John also discussed the many intricate benefits of garden features such as ponds, hedgerows and wildflower patches - and how to maintain these sustainably.

Durham Wildlife Trust’s Head of Communications and Development, Emily Routledge, gave an informative talk on the history of the Trust and on future plans, including the development of The Great North Fen. Emily also shared information on a handful of the Trust's nature reserves, including Low Barns and Hannah's Meadow, alongside walking routes to be enjoyed over the summer months.

The Trust would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everybody who attended and donated on the day. Overall, the event raised a total of £773.75, all of which will go towards funding vital conservation work across the North East.