I went from reluctant gardener to having an 80-metre wildlife haven opening for charity

What began as an effort to tame what was once a football pitch has become a remarkable 80-metre garden and it is now opening to the public for charity under the National Garden Scheme on June 5 and 7.

Stephen Brooke is an extremely reluctant gardener. ‘In my terminology, more garden beds meant more work,’ says Stephen of New Longton, near Preston. ‘There were so many other fun things I wanted to do in our retirement. I really didn’t want to be tied down to a garden’.

But nevertheless, Stephen and his wife Karen started work on their large garden about four years ago. ‘Prior to that it was a football pitch for our son.’

But four years ago, with encouragement from Karen and advice from John Foley of the award-winning Holden Clough Nurseries, plans for the garden began to take shape.

The result is a striking, wildlife-focused space featuring a large pond and bog garden designed to attract and support local species. “The pond has been incredible,” said Stephen. “I was amazed by how quickly newts and frogs and all manner of wildlife just turned up.”

Produce beds, a summerhouse, and Victorian outhouses supporting clematis and trailing vegetables now sit alongside carefully planned habitats aimed at encouraging biodiversity, reflecting the couple’s concern about increasing urbanisation.

Stephen, who once resisted the idea, even volunteered the garden for opening after attending the Southport Flower Show. “I’m actually starting to enjoy the garden,” he admits.

A particularly poignant element is the pond, dug by the couple’s nephew Cameron Treble, who later suffered a serious hang-gliding accident.

The family has chosen to donate a portion of catering proceeds to Horatio's Gardens, which supports spinal injury patients.

The garden, at Chapel Lane, New Longton, PR4 4AB, will be open Friday June 5 (2–7pm) and Sunday June 7 (11am–5pm), admission £5, children free.