This National Gardening Week, people are being invited to embrace curiosity in their gardens by looking closer and discovering the small wonders that bring outdoor spaces to life. Owners at Churchill Living’s Gladwell Lodge in Didcot are no strangers to this with the development’s front garden being recognised with a local Wildlife Garden Award.
The award highlights the growing recognition of gardening not only as a way to support local biodiversity, but also for its health and wellbeing benefits. Gardening is often described as a “natural gym”, providing light exercise that can help contribute towards the improvement of muscle strength and flexibility. Time spent gardening has also been known to reduce stress and promote a greater sense of calm and happiness.
Presented as part of a local initiative led by Sustainable Didcot, in partnership with Wild Oxfordshire, the award recognises gardens that provide valuable habitats for wildlife and help boost biodiversity across the area. The garden at Gladwell Lodge was commended for its wildlife-friendly and sustainable features, as well as its rich variety of plants and flora.
Owners have taken great pride in creating and caring for the garden, which has become a focal point for the community at the Lodge and a place to enjoy the outdoors. The recognition reflects both their hard work and shared commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment in the Didcot area.
Jo Ridehalgh, Divisional Marketing Lead for Churchill Living South West, commented: “We’re delighted that the garden at Gladwell Lodge has been recognised with this award. It means a lot to the Owners, who have devoted so much of their passion and time to creating a space that can be enjoyed by both people and wildlife. It’s wonderful to know that we are playing a part in supporting biodiversity in the area.”
The development itself comprises 33 one-and two-bedroom apartments, all of which are self-contained, boasting colour co-ordinated kitchens and beautifully landscaped gardens. Designed with ease of living in mind, all apartments come equipped with a 24-hour Careline support system, and secure camera entry system for extra peace of mind. Owners also have access to the exclusive Owners’ Lounge, complete with Wi-Fi and coffee bar to socialise.
Gladwell Lodge is nestled in the historic railway town of Didcot, just a short walk from a wide range of shops, cafés and amenities, with public transport links also available nearby. Owners will enjoy convenient access to The Orchard Centre, Didcot Leisure Centre and Cornerstone, a purpose-built arts, culture and entertainment venue that frequently hosts a programme of live performances, activities and exhibitions. For history enthusiasts, the Didcot Railway Centre also sits close by, offering fascinating glimpses into the Great Western Railway, whilst the town’s many parks and green spaces also provide plenty of opportunity for Owners to explore the natural beauty Didcot has to offer.