Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
Volunteer day at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

The gardening team at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham is staging a ‘have a go’ Volunteer Day on Friday, February 1, from 10am to 4pm, for anyone wanting to explore volunteering opportunities in the garden, working with nature.

Volunteers can get involved on the day with the annual winter leaf clearance campaign, coppicing hazel and dyke clearing. Soup and a roll will be on offer at lunchtime, along with hot drinks. Volunteers should come dressed for outdoor work and bring their own gloves. Please register for the Volunteer Day in advance, t. 01603 270449, e.[email protected] .

All the garden’s autumn leaf fall is gathered in January and February and placed in large heaps where the process of conversion into leaf soil begins. The leaf soil is used as a natural fertiliser in the garden and is also sold in plant sales.

The garden’s dykes are also cleared of the natural debris that has fallen in during the year. The debris is used to fertilise the garden’s candelabra primulas.

The produce of hazel coppicing, bean rails, pea sticks and fence posts, is sold in the garden’s plant sales area.

Louise Rout, Garden Manager said: “We are a friendly bunch at Fairhaven and can offer the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to work with nature and learn more about the wildlife in the Broads.”

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, half way between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Garden entry is adult £6.85, concessions £6.60, children £3.95 and free for Fairhaven members and under 5s.

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 4pm until the end of February, then 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), and on Wednesdays until 9pm from May to the end of August. Free entry to tearoom, provisions shop, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access throughout the garden, including a Sensory Garden and an accessible boat for trips on the broad from April to October (additional charge). Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available.

Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

T 01603 270449 or see www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.