Explore Brockhampton this New Year

Dewy mornings and cold-but-sunny afternoons highlight the natural beauty of the estate. Why not head towards the natural play trail for some outdoor exploration? Not only is there fun stuff for the kids to try in the woods, such as den building and hill climbing but you’ll also get a sneak peek of the new orchards on the way.  We will be running volunteer-led walks and talks on the new orchards on January and February weekends, check the blackboard on your way in to see if there are any tours available when you arrive.

Although it’s cold there’s still plenty of wildlife to see on the estate throughout winter from winter migratory birds and mallards on the moat to deer in the wider estate. The muntjac deer on the estate will be the biggest threat to our newly planted fruit trees so popping tree guards on each one should help deter them as well as our woven ‘basket fence’, if you’re planning on walking in the woods keep your eyes peeled for the deer foraging. The Brockhampton badgers will be less active throughout winter to preserve energy, only coming out occasionally to feed. The Lawn Pool otters will stay active over the winter months as their warm, waterproof coat will protect them from the elements, but these elusive creatures travel up to twenty miles a day, so you’d be very lucky to see one. Other small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels will also be out foraging in the orchards and parkland.

After exploring the great outdoors, pop inside the manor to warm up. The fire will be roaring in the Freegard Lounge inside the manor and The Granary and Old Apple store tea-room will be open every weekend in January if you’d like to treat yourself to a luxurious hot chocolate or light lunch.

January is also a great time to think about volunteering. If you feel a special connection to Brockhampton and would like to help, get in touch via this link and find out what vacancies are currently available. Volunteering can be incredibly enriching and always looks good on a CV, you can come as little or as much as you’d like, and we will cover the cost of your travel fuel too.

Welcome the New Year by reconnecting with nature, each visit you make to the Brockhampton estate helps us care for this special place which you can visit again and again, embracing heritage and the great outdoors.