Abingdon care home residents create wildlife-friendly garden

The project began in March at Bridge House Care Home in Abingdon, where residents transformed part of the grounds into a sustainable, wildlife-friendly space designed to attract pollinators and encourage biodiversity.

Rosemary, a resident at the home, said: “I’ve enjoyed planting flowers and watching everything grow.

“It’s lovely to spend time outside and see the garden becoming more colourful each week.

“I feel very proud of it, and I love showing it to my daughter and grandchildren when they visit.

“They are always very impressed by how much we’ve done.”

The garden features a butterfly and bee section, wildflowers, and insect habitats crafted by residents at the home’s repair café.

It also includes an accessible path, seating areas, and raised beds, ensuring all residents can take part.

Rosalind, another resident, shared fond memories inspired by the project.

She said: “I’ve loved gardening since I was a young woman and I always had a garden at home.

“I remember growing vegetables with my husband and every summer we’d have tomatoes, beans, and potatoes.

“We spent many happy hours together in the garden.”

The project is part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability and resident engagement.

Residents living with dementia have been supported to participate in ways that suit their abilities and interests, from gardening to arts and crafts.

The home’s repair café contributed bug houses for the garden, which has given residents like John an opportunity to get involved.

He said: “I enjoyed putting the different materials together and learning about the insects that might use it.

“Even though I wasn’t doing the planting, I still felt like I was making an important contribution.

“My mobility isn’t what it used to be, so this was a way I could still be involved comfortably.”

Community support has also played a role, with volunteers helping to plant wildflowers and the Abingdon All Saints Brownies adding a new flower patch.

The care home maintains strong community links through its Friends of Bridge House programme, which has built more than 70 partnerships with local businesses and groups.

Home manager Marta Leszko said: “With the gardening and the repair café, it has been a real joint effort across the home to care for the garden and its wildlife.

“The garden brings us all a lot of joy and purpose, and we can’t wait to see how it grows and develops.”

Bridge House Care Home holds a CQC Outstanding rating and was named Team of the Year at the 2025 Oxfordshire Care Awards.