Paragon Veterinary practice is the proud winner of not one but two RHS Cumbria In Bloom awards.

Paragon’s Dalston branch has been working on a wellbeing garden beside the practice for a few years, but this year saw its best result to-date in the annual garden awards scheme.

It picked up not only a Gold award in the sustainability category – an improvement from last year’s Silver-Gilt award – but also an Outstanding award in the “It’s your neighbourhood” category.

Laura Binnie, a small animal vet and Paragon’s Sustainability Lead, said: “I was absolutely delighted at the news. It’s nice to get some recognition for the work that we do, but also nice to be able to come back to the practices and let everyone else know.”

The outdoor space contains everything from plants to attract pollinators to a pond for aquatic wildlife. There are areas left wild to attract hedgehogs and wildlife, and there is a bog for toads and frogs.

This year saw the introduction of a stumpery, made up of lots of dead wood and ferns and foxgloves, which encourages fungi and the sort of biodiversity that thrives in a damp, dark area.

There are also bird and bat boxes, bug houses and bee hotels, and the practice takes part in “No Mow May” to ensure there is food for pollinators in the spring.

The garden was created as a space for staff to enjoy, but has also developed into alternative uses too.

“We encourage the staff to use the garden for their breaks in the day, because we know that a break in a green space is really good for mental health and for reducing stress,” explained Laura. “There’s also a large picnic table which seats eight, and so we sometimes hold informal meetings out there.

“And we have also had the benefit of creating a designated area in the garden for pets who unfortunately need to be euthanised. If it’s a sunny day, it’s a nice, private area that feels much less clinical, cold and sterile than a consultation room.

“We get so many letters and cards from pet owners saying thank you for letting them share their pet’s final moments in such calming surroundings.”

In addition to playing a key role for staff and clients, the garden has also become part of the community, thanks to an initiative with St Michael’s Primary School in Dalston.

Reception children visit the garden every year, and have helped plant fruit trees, dug in shrubs and pond plants and scattered wildflowers. Each visit involves an outdoor lesson from Laura on how they can encourage wildlife in their own gardens.

“It’s really important they are talked to at a young age about the environment and how we can look after it,” she added.

While there is a part-time gardener who helps with the wellbeing space, the majority of the landscaping was done by staff, who also helped build planters and create wildlife areas – all using plants and items found on site or brought in by the staff themselves.

The garden is part of a sustainability plan, which began three years ago, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Laura said: “We are currently applying for more sustainability accreditation, so we can demonstrate to our staff, clients and other practices that we are committed to sustainability – unfortunately veterinary practices can be quite wasteful, with a high carbon footprint, so we are trying to do what we can tomake a difference.

“This programme means we are not only addressing the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis, but we are looking after our staff and giving them an outlet.

“We are not only striving to be sustainable, but hopefully also enhancing our environment.”

In June, Paragon was awarded an ‘outstanding achievement’ in environmental sustainability by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), a newly launched award – the first vets in the UK to win the award.

It is also currently in the running for Green/Ethical Business of the Year in the in-Cumbria Business Awards. Paragon is shortlisted alongside The Natural Plant Food Company and Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Park. The winner will be announced on November 23rd.