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Enhancing Urban Green Spaces: Llandudno Museum’s Biodiversity Garden
Llandudno Museum has transformed an unused outdoor area into a thriving biodiversity garden, creating a space that benefits both people and nature. The project, supported by the Local Places for Nature initiative, demonstrates how small urban spaces can be adapted to support pollinators and community engagement.

From Rubble to Green Haven
Before the project began, the area behind the museum was filled with rubble, old machinery, and overgrown bamboo. During the pandemic, the museum recognised the importance of outdoor spaces and took the opportunity to enhance this neglected area. The goal was to create a welcoming garden that would provide a habitat for pollinators like bees and birds while serving as an educational resource for visitors.

With contractors handling the hard landscaping, work began to clear the site. Key developments include improving drainage, installing railings and steps, and fitting new oak entrance gates. Swift boxes were also added under the museum’s guttering to encourage bird nesting.

A Space for Nature and People
One unique feature of the garden is the integration of old farming machinery, with planting designed to demonstrate how nature can reclaim industrial spaces. This approach highlights the role of green infrastructure in urban areas and the potential for small interventions to support biodiversity.

The ‘Bee Focussed’ initiative, running from April 2022 to March 2023, has been central to this transformation. The museum worked with CAIS, a rehabilitation and probation organisation, to engage volunteers in planting pollinator-friendly flowers and maintaining the garden. Their efforts have made a meaningful difference, turning an overlooked area into a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space.

Community Involvement and Impact
The garden has provided opportunities for volunteers, organisations, and community members to get involved. Engagement activities, such as ‘Bee Friendly Gardening’ workshops and biodiversity walks, have encouraged people to learn about native plants and the importance of pollinators. The project has also created a safe and inclusive space for groups, including individuals recovering from addiction, those on probation programmes, and people with autism.

A Lasting Change
Thanks to the support of Local Places for Nature, Llandudno Museum’s biodiversity garden is now a valuable community asset. As Museum Director Dawn Lancaster puts it:

“The Bee Focused project has been a great success. Volunteers and young people have been inspired, planting for and learning about bees. We look forward to a bee-filled summer!”

With continued care and community engagement, the garden will remain a flourishing space for both wildlife and visitors for years to come.