Wildlife and ecology of RHS Harlow Carr

Red kites, song thrushes, greenfinches and great tits were among the birds that came out in song to greet 23 Harrogate Civic Society members on a private visit to RHS Harlow Carr. They were joined by Andrew Willocks, RHS horticulturalist and our expert guide. Andrew’s tour focused on the wildlife and ecology of the site but he was also generous to answer the widest range of horticulture questions that members raised.

We learnt that the avian life above the gardens is joined from time to time at ground level by badgers, foxes, stoats, water shrews and even deer, and that the birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife numbers are monitored and recorded in national databases.

Our tour soon passed the former mid-19th century Harlow Carr Hotel & Spa (Harrogate Arms), closed to the public since 2014 but which had its informal re-opening as a brand new RHS-managed café the day before our visit. Andrew highlighted some of the significant re-landscaping nearing completion, noting the target to increase biodiversity in this area by 30 per cent. The ongoing challenge to manage drainage throughout the gardens was a consistent theme: one tip we were given was to plant willow to reduce soil erosion and control moisture levels.

We stopped outside the Bramall Learning Centre and Library to inspect the heat-loving Afghan sage beds; we were told about the tufted ducks that arrive in summer to nest on the lake’s island; and we then proceeded to view a magnificent newly-completed sandstone bridge. Andrew explained to us the RHS’s “Wild About Gardens” campaign, and we were all encouraged to follow a "No Mow May" policy for our lawns.

Gloomy skies, chilly April air, and drizzle competing with feeble rays of sun didn’t faze any of us and after two hours admiring and learning about the fauna, flora and landscaping, our guide delivered us to the front of the Harrogate Arms. After a group photo, little effort was needed to encourage us inside for a hot drink, bite to eat, and a sit down, with a chance for members to chat and compare notes on what they’d discovered during a most informative, enjoyable and sociable visit.

The Society’s thanks go to Andrew Willocks and the RHS Harlow Carr team for welcoming and looking after us. As the visit was over-subscribed, we'll seek to repeat it next Spring.