Appleby House Shows Us That Wildlife Gardens Boost Wellbeing

Appleby House has been recognised as the winner of Care UK’s Biodiversity Summer 2025 review, demonstrating that even in a busy suburban location, nature can thrive and transform resident experiences.

Care UK’s judging panel praised the home for its complete approach to biodiversity, connecting nature with resident wellbeing and community engagement.
Submissions were compared against five criteria – biodiversity impact, improvements made since 2024, community involvement, quality of documentation and plans for long-term sustainability.

Here’s what the judges had to say about their entry:
• Outstanding wildlife evidence: Its wildlife camera footage documented badgers, foxes, and bats – in suburban gardens. “This isn’t just about common garden birds; they’ve created a genuine habitat,” noted one judge.
• From garden-to-kitchen: Fresh produce from the allotment is used in the home’s kitchens, creating a clear connection between the garden and daily life in the home.
• Strong community partnerships: Collaboration with local charity – Love Me, Love My Mind – alongside school visits demonstrated strong connections with the local community which have been developed and sustained over a long time.
• Authentic resident involvement: Photos showed residents actively planting, harvesting, and enjoying the garden as genuine co-participants.

Care UK recently won the prestigious Leaders in Care award for the Wildlife Garden campaign, highlighting that the work of Care UK Sustainability Champions is gaining recognition beyond Care UK. The efforts make a real difference in the community and contribute to making Care UK a recognised leader in sustainable care.