Prickly Parsonage Garden Launch

To celebrate the Brontë’s life and work, South Square created a homage to the literary siblings – Charlotte, Emily, Anne and Patrick Branwell, by creating a Brontë themed garden full of local landmark follies for the wildlife. 

Launched on what would have been Charlotte Brontë’s birthday, we hope to highlight the birthplace of the Brontë’s which is located in Thornton –  a two minute walk from the centre, situated on Market Street.

Bats, bugs and beasts are all welcome to reside in this peaceful garden. South Square created a Brontë Bat Box, home to three local pipistrelle bats. A ‘Prickly Parsonage’ Hedgehog door in the image of the sisters Haworth residence, now The Brontë Parsonage Museum, and a Brontë Bug Chapel for minibeasts and bugs.

To mark the occasion, local children were invited to the launch of the garden. They took part in filling the Brontë Bell Chapel with bug friendly stones, bamboo sticks and leaves. They also learnt the importance of protecting local wildlife. Stephanie runs ‘HERBY’ Hedgehog Emergency Rescue in Bingley, Yorkshire. She runs the organisation and is a passionate advocate for the creatures.

The highlight of the day was meeting Ruby, a little hog that was rescued by Stephanie and helped ‘cut the ribbon’ on the Parsonage door.

“HERBY came to give a talk at South Square on the importance of creating Hedgehog friendly outdoor spaces.” Explained Programme Manager Alice. “We were surprised to find out that Hedgehog numbers in Britain had dropped so significantly, but there are some easy things you can do to make your outdoor space welcoming for them. Including putting in a Hedgehog door.”

South Square were thrilled to welcome the recording team from Look North to capture the day. The film was broadcast on TV later that evening.

Press was covered by T&A, Yorkshire Post and Look North.