A garden that grows medicinal herbs has been awarded a grant to expand work on biodiversity and rewilding.

Dilston Physic Garden in Corbridge will use the funds from the Riverbank and Local Environmental Action funds at the Community Foundation Tyne and Wear and Northumberland to employ a natural habitat gardener and carry out ecological assessments.

The garden aims to preserve and promote the benefits of natural habitat cultivation.

The new funding will support efforts to restore biodiversity, addressing concerns about nature depletion in the UK.

Dr Nicolette Perry, director of the garden, said: "This grant is a game-changer for us.

"It not only supports our mission to protect and enhance biodiversity but also helps us educate others about the importance of rewilding in both rural and urban areas.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation and its supporters for making this possible."

The money will also support the garden’s volunteer-led wellbeing gardening sessions, which allow participants to contribute to the garden’s upkeep.

Sarah Tulloch, the natural-habitat gardener, added: "It’s fantastic to be part of such a forward-thinking project.

"This grant enables us to demonstrate the power of rewilding and sustainable gardening, and I’m thrilled to work with our fantastic volunteers and the wider community to make it happen."

Pete Barrett, senior programme advisor at the Community Foundation, said: "The Community Foundation is keen to support initiatives that address local environmental issues, and this project stood out for its focus on increasing public awareness around biodiversity.

"Our Vital Signs report on ‘Environment’ highlighted there is much that can be done locally to address the root causes of climate change and protect local ecosystems – and every little bit of philanthropic support for this does something to chip away at the larger problems.

"This grant is a great example of how we can increase awareness and action on climate change, mitigating the loss of biodiversity and related environmental problems."

The garden’s winter opening hours are Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm.

There is also a free Aromatic Opening on Saturday, November 30.

Activities include chestnut roasting, tea blending workshops, and guided garden tours.