A wildlife paradise near Ottery will be open to the public this Bank Holiday to raise money for charity.

The garden at Little Ash Bungalow in Fenny is the creation of Helen Brown, a finalist in the prestigious BBC Gardener of the Year 2009 competition.

The self-confessed ‘plant-aholic’, who works at Bicton College, has spent 12 years developing a haven for wildlife with interesting trees and plants, a pond and natural stream, with shady woodland space and small meadows.

It has views towards East Hill and the River Otter, and Helen has also created a covered seating area for her visitors.

She is opening her one and a half acre garden as part of the National Gardens Scheme, which raises money Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Help the Hospices and Cross Roads Care.

Helen said: “I love to share the garden with people, there’s nothing I enjoy more than wandering round talking plants with fellow enthusiasts, and even better if I can raise money for charity at the same time.”

It will be open from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on Monday, June 4. Admission is �3.50 for adults, free for children, with refreshments and plants for sale.