More than 350 people visited the wildflower meadow at the estate in Worlingworth last week for what could be the final open garden event there.

Land owner Nick Cook said he was thrilled with the turnout, with guests travelling from across East Anglia - and even as far as Devon and Melbourne, Australia.

The gardens at Barton Grange encompass a 4-acre field which Mr Cook transformed into a wildflower meadow from an arable farming field 13-years-ago.

“I had lots of people saying ‘we have to come and see the meadow for the last time’,” said Mr Cook. “I had 350 people over the five days which is wonderful, it’s far more than I was expecting.

“It seems we have got a bit of a following, it confirms that people are very keen to have conservation areas in their gardens. It was a great success. The insects performed, I had so many bees, people were absolutely overwhelmed. They couldn’t find the right superlatives to explain the experience of being surrounded by so many bumble bees.”

Mr Cook is moving to a nearby village later this year, and while Barton Grange’s new owner is said to be keen to maintain the wildflower meadow, there is no guarantee that they will be opened again for public viewing.

“To have 350 people all using your loo and your kitchen, parking everywhere it’s invasive, but it’s wonderful to do,” said Mr Cook. “Where I’m moving to there’s potential to create something similar so it will be good to carry that forward.

Donations were being accepted on the day. The total amount raised has not yet been confirmed, however all proceeds will be donated to Mr Cook’s chosen charities: The psoriasis Association, Friends of the Swan over 60’s Christmas Party and St Mary’s Church Worlingworth Restoration Project.