Having dragged myself (not always successfully) past the enticing goodies at the entrance gift shop, I usually head for a viewing point in the Himalayan Glade, which has benches with stunning views across the Westwood Valley. Bird feeders are set up here and are regularly replenished by Wakehurst staff and visitors (including me) alike.
On my most recent visit coal tits, blue tits, great tits, chaffinches, greenfinches, goldfinches, pheasants, nuthatches, blackbirds, great spotted woodpeckers and robins were abundant. The birds here are accustomed to people, and feed close by; indeed you’re likely to be approached for food, especially by the Pheasants which are quite tame. Chaffinches were perched high in a shrub near the lookout, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine which made their pinkish plumage glow.
The trees were everywhere beginning to change their colours; the one below was spectacular though my photo doesn’t do it justice – it appeared ablaze.
In a number of places there are extensive plantings of Cyclamens; these are near the entrance and planted beneath oak trees. The mix of fallen oak leaves, and pink Cyclamen flowers created a beautiful natural carpet, over which at intervals blackbirds bounced and rummaged in search of worms, and squirrels bustled and rustled as they stashed their acorns.
At this time of year it’s always worth casting your eyes ground-ward, and having a careful look at what’s about. The wet weather seems to have benefitted some species of fungi and fairy rings have sprung up in places, like the one beneath this conifer.
I always discover something new here, and this time was fascinated to learn that during World War II, Wakehurst hosted a Zero Station which intercepted enemy radio communications and relayed them to Army HQ in Sevenoaks to be de-coded. It’s still possible to see where aerials were embedded in the trunks of nearby trees. Astonishing!
I shall be back again soon.
