Hoverfly Haven: A Buzzing Celebration at RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse

This summer, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and garden designer Sam Galloway came together to create an inspiring Community Cube installation at the inaugural RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse.

Designed to be viewed and enjoyed from all sides, the Hoverfly Haven celebrated one of nature’s most overlooked yet essential pollinators: the hoverfly.

It’s a timely reminder that even small habitats are crucial for protecting our at-risk species. By making space for hoverflies, we’re not just helping one insect – we’re supporting entire ecosystems.

Why Hoverflies Matter

Often mistaken for bees or wasps, hoverflies are gentle, fascinating insects that play a vital role in our ecosystems. They are the second most important pollinator after bees, helping plants reproduce while also controlling pests like aphids. Their larvae are natural pest controllers, and adult hoverflies provide food for birds and help break down organic matter.

Despite their importance, hoverflies are facing a serious decline – 44% of UK species have seen a drop in distribution, and many are now red-listed.

Elesha Searles, Community Nature Advisor at Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, added:

“Hoverflies are truly the unsung heroes in our gardens, and everyone can create spaces to help them thrive. No space is too small—even a small yard can make a wonderful habitat. By creating spaces that cater to every stage in a hoverfly’s lifecycle, we can help halt the decline of the species.”

A Wild Welcome

To support the RHS and Wildlife Trusts’ “Wild About Gardens” campaign, which this year champions hoverflies, the Cube was filled with features designed to attract and support these tiny heroes:

  • Wildflower meadows bursting with nectar-rich blooms
  • Mini lagoons offering water for insects and amphibians
  • Log piles and bug hotels providing shelter and breeding spots
  • Take-home tips to help visitors create hoverfly-friendly spaces at home

Visitors were invited to explore, learn, and be inspired to make their own gardens a haven for hoverflies and other wildlife.

Jenny Laville, Show Manager at RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse, said:

“The Community Cubes are one of the most popular aspects of our shows and it’s especially exciting for the RHS to be partnering with local groups passionately championing wildlife. We can all learn how to become a hoverfly hero with this beautiful and informative garden created by a talented young designer.”

A Collaborative Creation

The Hoverfly Haven was brought to life by a passionate and talented team:

  • Elesha Searles – Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust
  • Jo Rawson – Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
  • Sam Galloway – Garden Designer
  • Jenny Laville – RHS

Their combined expertise and enthusiasm created a space that was not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

Designer Sam Galloway shared:

“Designing the Hoverfly Haven garden has been a joy — a chance to fuse storytelling, ecology, and craft into something lasting. Collaborating with the RHS, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been deeply rewarding. It’s a privilege to work with teams so driven by purpose. As a designer, I’m drawn to projects that resonate beyond shows, and seeing the Wild at Heart group shape the garden with their willow hoverflies has been a highlight. I’m proud this garden will live on at Gulliver’s Valley — rooted in community and built for both people and pollinators.”

RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse

Set in the breathtaking grounds of one of the UK’s grandest stately homes, the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse marked the RHS’s first major flower show in Yorkshire. The event brought together garden designers, conservationists, and nature lovers for a celebration of horticulture, heritage, and community.

With show gardens, expert talks, artisan stalls, and interactive installations, the show offered something for everyone—and the Community Cubes were a standout feature.

A New Home at Valley Wildlife

Now that the show has ended, the Hoverfly Haven has found a new permanent home at Valley Wildlife, located at Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham. This means the garden will continue to inspire and educate visitors all year round, offering a space for people to connect with nature and learn how they can support pollinators in their own communities.

How You Can Help Hoverflies

There are many simple ways to support hoverflies in your garden:

  • Plant flowers with open petal structures like nasturtium, aubretia, yarrow, oxeye daisy, and ivy
  • Create pooled water and leaf litter for shelter and hibernation
  • Avoid using pesticides
  • Leave natural features like logs and stones for habitat

Even small spaces can make a big difference.