Conservation
Parameters
Conservation is a broad canvas of human endeavour. For the Trust this comprising several clear missions which briefly are:
A: Wildlife: (i) having a policy on the treatment and respect of wildlife; (ii) attracting more wildlife and creating the conditions for it and (iii) sustaining and increasing habitat.
B. Flora and Fauna: Having a wide range of plants, shrubs, and trees both coniferous and deciduous, (and perennial/bi-annual/annual flowering plants) to (i) attract wildlife, (ii) aid visual delight & spiritual and mental regeneration. (iii) improve air quality
C. Ecology: (i) By storing rainwater. (ii) By being organic and not using insecticides. (iii) By growing at least some of our food. (iv) By using our own seed whenever possible. (v) By ensuring that at harvest time some seed and fruits are left for wildlife/using. (vi) Extensive composting (vii) By having areas of standing water (pond, wetland, waterfall pools). (viii) Allowing lichens and mosses etc to flourish.
D. Education: By undertaking research, writing papers, and running courses, having placements and training and publicising the importance of conservation and wildlife etc.
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Environmental Studies
This includes: the environment, wildlife, ecology, heritage, flora & fauna, the built environment, public green space, watercourses & standing water, woodlands, farming, migrations-habitat, wildlife corridors, heritage, geology & land types, transition/changes in the landscape across time and much more. Specific subjects looked at include:
- Understanding the history, development and current situation of the local landscape, ecology, wildlife, habitats, and the environment in general.
- Communities, farming, land use.
- Traditions, history, and heritage of the land.
- Wildlife/species audits
- Gardens, wildlife corridors.
- Heritage sites.
- Conservatioin and restoration
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Arboriculture
The activities of this Placement include:
1. Pruning & shaping.
2. Taking cuttings of trees, shrubs, fruit bushes and nursing them through to development.
3. Feeding & mulching
4. Weekly care & maintenance.
5. Transplanting.
6. Checking for blight, diseases.
7. General health care.
There is an extensive library available on a wide range of horticulture and aboriculture topics.
Range of species include:
Collection of 18 varieties of Acers. Collection of 56 varieties of dwarf Conifers.
Several other single-item species incl. English Oak, Red Oak, Sessile Oak, Holmes Oak, Larch, Chestnut, Hazelnut, Walnut, Photinia, Magnolia, Privet, Lime, Eucalyptus, Cherry, Apple, Plum, Pear, Fig, Beech, Elm, Guelder, Yew, Sycamore, Leylandii, Laurel, Hibiscus, Juniper, Olive, Lilac, Cottoneaster, Holly, Fraser Fir, Nordman Fir, Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Bay, Scots Pine, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Italian Cypress, Tree Fern.
Most of the latter single item species are growing in a specially created wildlife and wildflower woodland area which in its very early stages.
There are also over 60 large shrubs to be maintained.
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STEPHEN COX GARDEN TRUST
is a Registered Charity (number: 1174239) in England & Wales
PURPOSE: To advance education in horticulture, conservation, wildlife, and heritage by providing study courses, training placements, talks, and workshops and other means for the enrichment of society and improvement of human well being in general based upon the Founder's garden, library, writings, teaching, and philosophy. Including skill enhancement for the young unemployed or those facing learning difficulties or other barriers to employment or self-advancement.
stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com
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