Misty mornings
Autumn brings a new beauty to Morden Hall Park, when mists hang over the river and wetland on bright, chilly mornings. Head onto the boardwalk as the sun rises to discover delightful misty moments full of wetland wildlife.
Did you know?
At the start of September the Gardens and Outdoors team start draining the wetland to get it ready for cutting in late September early October. As a man-made habitat the wetland has to be cut periodically to stop it gradually growing over and becoming woodland.
It’s cut on a rotational basis, one section each year, to allow wetland animals to continue to thrive. We’re looking for volunteers to help with wetland cutting, so if that sounds like something you would be interested in, get in touch: mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk
Autumn amongst the orchards
We have several small orchards across the heart of the park with a focus on Merton Variety Fruit including many apples, pears and cherries. These are varieties that were developed during the fruit trials at the world famous John Innes Horticultural Institute, with some of these trees thought to have been planted in the park in Mr Hatfeild’s lifetime.
The National Trust have added to the orchards by sourcing and grafting these varieties, some of which are now rare. Most can be seen fruiting from the end of August well into autumn.
The best places to see fruit trees are opposite the Stable yard and on the river bank near the Garden Centre and Potting Shed cafe.
Autumn care and conservation at Morden Hall Park
Autumn marks the end of the bird nesting season, and one of the key tasks for the Gardens and Outdoors team at this time of the year focuses on practical habitat management.
The team is busy cutting a percentage of the wetland sedge and reed in order to get a mosaic of different age plants, which increases the number of micro habitats, and therefore biodiversity on site.
Autumn is also ideal for carrying out hedge management - including hedge laying, and scrub managment to protect and care for a precious habitat for small birds and other wildlife.
Warm up and feel good
Morden Hall Park is open to everyone throughout the year for free.
Our cafes and garden centre help us raise money to keep the park looking splendid.
Every coffee you drink and gift you buy helps look after this lovely place.
If you've had a great time at Morden Hall Park, why not text MORDEN to 70525 and donate £5 to help us maintain the property for future visitors and wildlife.
You will be charged £5 plus one standard rate message. The National Trust (Registered Charity 205846) will receive 100% of your donation. You must be aged 16 or over to send a text donation. Please make sure you have the bill payer's permission before donating. This SMS service is being provided for The National Trust by Fonix Mobile PLC, 23 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BQ. Full terms and conditions and our Privacy Policy can be found on our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
