Winter Restoration Projects Begin at Sutton Ecology Centre

As winter settles in, Sutton Ecology Centre is entering one of the most important and rewarding phases of our year. While our gardens might appear quieter at this time, there is a huge amount happening behind the scenes to protect, restore and prepare the habitats for the spring months ahead.

Thanks to the dedication of our wonderful volunteers and supporters, we are beginning a series of projects that will help strengthen the Ecology Centre’s biodiversity and make our spaces even more welcoming for wildlife and visitors alike.

Restoring Our Small Pond

One of our biggest focuses this winter is the restoration of the small pond behind the allotments. This pond may be small, but it plays a vital role in supporting local wildlife.

During our initial tidy, volunteers discovered an encouraging number of frogs  and dragonfly larvae, showing that the pond is already an active and important habitat.

Over the coming weeks and months we will be:

• Gently removing debris such as fallen leaves and small branches

• Loosening and improving the soil around the pond edges

• Planting native, shade-tolerant species to provide cover and shelter

• Introducing marginal and oxygenating plants in the spring

Everything will be carried out with great care to protect the creatures that are already settled in this miniature ecosystem. The aim is not to change the pond, but to enhance it so that amphibians, insects and pollinators can continue to thrive.

Caring for the Sensory Garden

The Sensory Garden is one of the most loved spaces at the Ecology Centre. Over winter, we will be giving it some much-needed attention to keep it looking its best and to preserve the features that make it so special.

Our volunteers will be:

• Cleaning and oiling the wooden sculptures and signs, including the much-admired dragonfly

• Carrying out gentle pruning and light planting

• Ensuring paths and borders remain accessible

These small improvements help maintain the character of the garden while preserving its wildlife-friendly design.

Planting for a Colourful Spring

Throughout November and December, volunteers are planting a wide range of perennials and bulbs around the pond and surrounding areas. These include ferns, primroses, foxgloves, hellebores, hardy geraniums, and early-flowering bulbs such as crocuses, Scilla, snake’s-head fritillaries and snowdrops.

This planting will create early nectar sources for bees, butterflies and other pollinators in the spring, and add vibrant colour to our woodland landscape.

Winter Maintenance With Wildlife in Mind

Although winter is a quieter season for many species, it is also a time when animals rely heavily on stable habitats. For this reason, all of our maintenance work is carried out with sensitivity, ensuring minimal disturbance. Leaf clearance, path maintenance and soil improvement are approached gently, especially around areas where frogs, insects and small mammals may be overwintering.

A Community Effort

These projects are only possible thanks to the kindness, time and energy of our volunteers. Every session, whether it involves clearing debris, planting bulbs or restoring wooden features, contributes directly to the health of Sutton Ecology Centre’s wildlife.

We are incredibly grateful for the community spirit that continues to drive this work forward.

Follow the Journey

Over the coming months, we will be sharing updates, photographs and stories as our winter projects progress. From the first shoots of spring bulbs to improvements in our pond habitat, there is plenty to look forward to.

Thank you for supporting Sutton Ecology Centre. Together we are helping our green spaces grow, flourish and inspire.

Before - Our pond needing much TLC

Ongoing progress - Our volunteers have been busy planting some lovely perenials