Open Garden at Tyland Barn

About

Join us for our open garden at the headquarters of Kent Wildlife Trust!

Join us for our Open Garden at our head office, Tyland Barn Nature Park and Gardens. A fantastic and easy way to experience the wonders of our Kentish countryside. The park was created to be a little Kent and now has woodlands, colourful wildflower meadows and a large pond full of life. You might spot spectacular orchids, stag beetles in the log piles or dragonfly flitting over the reeds.

The planting in the Tyland Barn area has recently been redesigned and becomes a contemporary, colourful and inspirational example of how we can all help wildlife in our gardens. This inclues a dry garden, vegetable planters, winter flower beds, fruit shrubs and pollinator planting.

There will be lots going on throughout the day, including:

Two guided tours led by our trained volunteers and team, giving you a chance to ask questions and learn more about the site's history and gardens. Tours at 12pm and 2pm, free tickets available as add-ons at checkout to reserve a place.
Hedgehog and wildlife rescue stand
Plant stall - this is cash only
Information from the Wild About Gardens team on wildlife-friendly gardening
The Pond cafe will also be open to enjoy
Don't miss our new workshops and craft activities:

Recycled paper pot making and seed sowing: Use recycled paper and basic tools to create unique, plastic-free plant pots. You'll then have the opportunity to put them to the test by sowing microgreens. Fast-growing, tasty and nutritious, these can be taken home and enjoyed on a windowsill or in the garden and require just a little spraying with water. Please book a ticket for everyone wishing to take part. Drop in between 11am and 3pm, £4 per person, tickets available as add-ons at checkout.

Design and paint your own plant pot: Use our paints to turn a small terracotta pot into something more individual to take home with you. Please book a ticket for everyone wishing to take part. Drop in between 11am and 3pm, £4 per person, tickets available as add-ons at checkout.
Cyanotype print workshop: Use leaves and flowers to create striking blue prints using the power of sunlight. Get creative and you'll have a garden-inspired piece of artwork to take home with you! Please book a ticket for everyone wishing to take part. Workshops at 11.30am and 1.30pm, £6 per person, tickets available as add-ons at checkout.

Pond dipping: Pond dipping is for everyone! Don't miss this chance for adults to join the fun, and find out more about what you might attract to a wildlife-friendly garden pond. Children are very welcome too! Please book a ticket for everyone wishing to take part. Sessions at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, £4 per person, tickets available as add-ons at checkout.

Please note that parking is available in the car park and on the road should the car park become full.

All ages are welcome! We look forward to seeing you.