Summer strolls at Emmetts Garden

The views over the weald of Kent at Emmetts Garden look spectacular in the summer sunshine. Make the most of the warm weather by strolling around the gardens and into the woodland. Got time to spare? Take your walk a step further by following the trail to nearby Toys Hill, or even Chartwell.
Dragonflies
Take a stroll down to the ram pump house and its adjacent pond and we’re sure you’ll come across these gentle insects and their damselfly cousins.
With shimmering bodies flashing in the sun, dragonflies can fly sideways and even backwards on fast, agile wings. Their powerful eyes see ultraviolet light, so they can easily spot prey and snatch meals on the go.

Coppice Clearings
As you walk between Emmetts Garden and Chartwell, keep an eye out for the coppice clearings created by our ranger teams recently.
Without the coverage from the trees, the sun can now reach the undergrowth, encouraging new wildflowers and shrubs to grow. Usually carried out during late winter when the plants are dormant and so not to disturb the nesting birds, keep checking back to see how the undergrowth evolves over the summer too.
Coppicing is an ancient way of managing woodland. It may seem counterproductive but by cutting the trees down, it encourages new shoots to form from the stumps. It’s a great way of quickly producing sustainable timber.

Picnics at Emmetts Garden
Our meadow makes the perfect spot for a summer picnic with glorious views over Ide Hill. Bring a blanket and relax with delicious food under sunny skies.