Last month, 25 of our homegrown juniper saplings packed their bags (okay, roots) and set off on an exciting adventure! They were carefully taken by the Great Bustard Conservation Group to their new forever home on the Wiltshire Downs, where they’ll stretch their branches and thrive in the wild. These little green warriors had been toughening up in our botanical garden, getting ready to brave the elements and help restore a vital part of Britain’s ancient landscape.
Juniper isn’t just a pretty shrub—it’s a biodiversity superhero! It shelters birds like the goldcrest and woodcock, feeds insects and small mammals, and even plays host to rare moths and butterflies. Sadly, its habitat loss and climate change have put it in decline, but we’re working to change that.
Beyond its ecological power, juniper has a long history—from traditional medicine to, of course, gin! (We’re partial to that part.) Rewilding juniper rebuilds ecosystems, prevents soil erosion, and boosts carbon sequestration, making it a win for nature, wildlife, and future generations.
So, here’s to our little juniper pioneers—may they flourish on the Downs and keep the spirit of the wild alive!
