AN OPEN garden in Malmesbury has raised more than £1,500 as part of the National Gardens Scheme ahead of several other charity events.

The River Barn near Cowbridge opened its gates on May 17 and saw a flood of visitors come to see their horticultural efforts for £4.50 per person.

As well as the spectacular floral displays, which led to Alan Titchmarsh naming the garden as one of Britain’s best, the house will now all be home to a large wicker horse sculpture and a quilt which is to be raffled for charity.

Nicki Spicer, who runs the garden with her husband Finn, said that she was inspired to make the quilt and raise funds for Fauna and Flora International after learning about the plight of Sumatran tigers across the world.

These critically endangered animals are poached to be sold and after a talk from naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham Nicki decided it was time for her to play her part.

She said: “It is the appalling ignorance in China that has created a demand for these animals' body parts.

“The species is on the brink of extinction due to this poaching for their bones and fur for the illegal Chinese black market.”

“Please come along, visit the garden, have a lovely afternoon, and support my project. I am donating 100 per cent of my materials and time.”

The quilt, the fruit of months of labour on Nicki’s behalf, will be raffled off in October.

Tickets can be bought from the River Barn at £1 each of £5 for a book.

The River Barn’s garden will be open again on September from 11am to 5.30pm when the quilt can be viewed and raffle tickets purchased.

For more information on the garden and its opening times visit riverbarn.org.uk