Natural spring highlights at Sheringham Park

Pieris tree in flower at Sheringham Park — Our giant pieris trees are an impressive sight in the spring.

Nature is on the move, winter migrant birds like fieldfare and redwings are leaving us, while chiffchaff, sand martin and blackcap amongst many others will be returning to Sheringham Park. The first butterflies will be on the wing and the colour of the wild garden will be increasing by the day.

Views

Many of the coastal views today were part of Humphry Repton’s design for the park, created in 1812.

Flowering Plants

Rhododendron species including macabeanum, calophytum, and lutescens bring early spring colour to the wild garden. Our pierises, believed to be among the largest in the country, are covered in white bell-like flowers - follow the hum of the bees to locate them. In April, patches of bluebells can be seen in many places brighting up all our marked trails around the park. The rhododendrons build to a colourful peak in May-June when species such as blue tit., davidsonianum, doncaster, arboretum and niveum provide plenty of colour alongside red and yellow azaleas.

Birdlife

Great spotted woodpeckers drumming, the vibrant song of the skylark high above you and the melodious blackcap are just some of the sounds that will accompany you on a walk here in early spring. A glance skywards may be rewarded with the sight of a soaring buzzard or the occasional red kite. Keep an eye out for birds on migration. Some, like wheatear, may just be passing through, while others such as chiffchaff are returning to breed here.

Great spotted woodpecker at in the woodland at Sheringham Park — The tell-tale drumming will alert you to the presence of a great spotted woodpecker.

Birds you may see or hear at Sheringham Park (PDF / 0.9MB) download

Other Wildlife Highlights

Spring sunshine will bring out basking adders and butterflies on the wing. Orange tip, brimstone and peacock are particularly visible, but you might also spot the diminutive holly blue and small copper. Frogs and toads can be seen in and around the ponds. If you are quiet you may enjoy good views of roe deer and muntjac.