Places features

Henley's River and Rowing Museum has won a bronze at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 

Ann Robinson and Angela Potter, the designers responsible for the garden, Ratty’s Refuge, hope it will aid the conservation of water voles within the grounds of the museum.

The contemporary urban design attracted interest from celebrities and Royals alike including The Duke of Kent, Lady Helen Taylor, Melinda Messenger and Martin Clunes.

Ann Robinson explains:

Designer Ann Robinson with Martin Clunes

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the number of visitors to the garden and the huge level of interest there is in saving the water vole and creating wildlife gardens”.

She added: "We hope gardeners across the country are inspired to take up gardening for Ratty”

The Henley based attraction houses a gallery dedicated to river ecology and the UK’s only 'The Wind In the Willows' exhibition.

It's also celebrating the 100th birthday of Kenneth Grahame's classic 'Wind in the Willows'.

After this year's show the garden will become a permanent attraction at the museum. Paul Mainds, Trustee and Chief Executive for the museum was delighted with the creation:

“Their garden fits exactly what we’re doing at the museum. The water vole’s plight symbolises the care we need to take care of our wildlife via Ratty in The Wind of the Willows".

The water vole’s population is rapidly reducing in numbers and is Britain’s fastest declining mammal.

From April 2008 the animal was given extra protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Visit Henley's River and Rowing Museum's website for more information on Ratty's Refuge: