The design is inspired by the movement and perspective of a bird, foraging for food and water while moving between points of safety and shelter.  

 

Two pathways weave between layers of  planting, mimicking how birds prefer to move through a network of cover. At the centre of the garden is the Birdhouse Den made from reclaimed materials. It includes six hand crafted metalwork motifs of threatened UK songbirds created by Cambridgeshire artist, Jeni Cairns. 

 

Bird-friendly planting provides natural sources of food, nesting material and shelter. Many of the plants have multiple benefits to birds, attracting insects into the garden with their flowers, providing shelter and producing seeds and fruits. The different heights, densities and types of plants used in the garden will appeal to the varying feeding habits and movements of songbirds.

 

A circular pond provides shallow water for birds to drink and bathe in. Flanked by low hedges of yew (Taxus baccata), the evergreen hedges provide places where birds can quickly dart for cover. A rainwater management system channels rainwater runoff from the den's roof into the central pond via rain chains and a rill. ​​