We took the ecological principles of 'woodmeadows', which are ancient and extremely biodiverse habitats still found in parts of Eastern Europe, and applied those principles on a garden scale. As the name suggests, woodmeadows are an evolving mosaic of woodland and meadow at varying stages of maturity. They were created by early human settlers who cleared patches of woodland for hay meadows and livestock grazing, coppicing the regenerating woodland on rotation for building and firewood. This system has produced some of the most biodiverse landscapes on earth.

We planted a mix of suitable native trees and shrubs of varying sizes and ages, designed around a path leading from the house and taking in a loop around the space. Masses of wildflowers and bulbs were planted directly into the existing lawn, meadow flowers in the open areas, native ferns and other woodland plants beneath the trees. A bespoke stone bird bath was designed to sit in the centre of the space as yet another reason for wildlife to flock to the garden, which is now alive with the hum of insects on a Summer's day.