Sustainable Gardening and Biodiversity at Goodnestone Park
The gardens at Goodnestone Park are managed with sustainability and biodiversity at their heart.
Britain has become one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, with many native species continuing to decline. At Goodnestone Park, we believe gardens have an important role to play in reversing that trend.
Rather than working against nature, we aim to work alongside it, creating healthy, resilient ecosystems that benefit both plants and wildlife.
Plant material generated throughout the gardens is composted and returned to the soil, creating a natural closed-loop system that improves soil health while reducing waste. Much of the productive garden follows No-Dig principles, where homemade compost is applied directly to the soil surface rather than cultivated into it.
This approach protects the rich underground ecosystem of earthworms, beneficial microorganisms and fungal networks that naturally support healthy plant growth.
The result is stronger plants, healthier soil and a more resilient garden.
Wildlife is encouraged throughout Goodnestone Park. Hedgehogs, stoats, weasels and foxes are regularly seen, while Tawny, Barn and Little Owls share the gardens with buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks. Several species on the UK’s Red List, including spotted flycatchers, turtle doves and linnets, continue to find valuable habitat here.
No pesticides are used. Instead, wildlife is supported through wildflower meadows, long grass, dead hedges, log piles, nest boxes and solitary bee habitats that provide food and shelter throughout the seasons.
Although gardens may seem modest compared with nature reserves, collectively they form one of the UK’s largest habitats for wildlife. By managing the Gardens at Goodnestone Park with biodiversity in mind, we hope not only to protect nature but also to encourage visitors to reconnect with the natural world and enjoy the wellbeing that comes from spending time outdoors.
