Exploring the estate at The Vyne

A view of The Vyne's birdhide on the edge of Morgaston Woods in spring. — Explore the wider estate at The Vyne. | © National Trust / Virginia Langer

With a network of waymarked paths across The Vyne’s estate, you can really stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Hampshire countryside. Rich in wildlife, a pair of binoculars will come in handy out in the woodlands and looking out across the wetlands from the bird hide.

Dog walking on the estate

Classed as a nature reserve, dogs on leads are welcome on The Vyne’s estate.

Morgaston Woods

A visit to The Vyne isn’t complete without a stroll around Morgaston Woods, where the combination of towering trees and woodland glades support a great variety of wildlife.

From visitor reception, follow the path past the house and through the gate at the end leading to the bird hide. From here you can pick up a colour-coded waymarked walking route.

The walks are suitable for most people as they are relatively flat with no stiles. After heavy rain some of the paths can be very muddy, so pack your waterproofs and wellies to make sure you don’t miss out.

Bluebells

From mid-April, in Morgaston Woods look out for endangered national treasure, and inspiration for magical folklore; fragrant English bluebells. Carpeting swathes of the woodland floor, a network of paths weave through the sleepy blue haze. Deep in ancient woodland, lose yourself among these enchanting blooms and become a part of their survival story.

Other wildflowers

On three circular walking routes enjoy bluebells and other wildflowers such as early purple orchids and primroses that thrive on woodland ride verges where more sunlight comes through. There's celandines and wood anemones, wood sorrel and wild strawberries, a blossom ‘avenue’ of wild cherry, and if you have a keen eye, tiny dog violets. These are all sources of spring nectar for bees and other insects.

A heron and ducks on The Vyne's wetlands — Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on The Vyne's wetlands. | © National Trust / Virginia Langer

Wildlife at The Vyne

The Vyne estate has a variety of habitats, including deciduous woodlands, wetlands and a large ornamental lake. All these areas are homes to various species of birds. During the year you can expect to see anything from waders, birds of prey, owls, grebes, swans, game birds and herons.

Viewing the wetlands at The Vyne from the bird hide

Formed in the early 20th Century from the remains of a water meadow, a conservation project in the 1990s fully established The Vyne’s wetlands as a much-needed habitat for water voles.

Popular with the local birdlife, the wetlands are overlooked by a purpose-built bird hide. The hide is the perfect place for families to head to for the best birdwatching experience.

Close up detail of the 16th-century stained glass window in the Chapel at the Vyne, Hampshire

Discover more at The Vyne

Find out when The Vyne is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Trail

Woodland walk at The Vyne

Uncover forgotten traces of history hidden in ancient woodland, including the remains of a medieval fish pond, on this relaxing circular walking route at The Vyne. From mid-April, look out for endangered national treasure, and inspiration for magical folklore; fragrant English bluebells. Carpeting swathes of the woodland floor, a network of paths weave through the sleepy blue haze. Deep in Morgaston Woods, lose yourself among these enchanting blooms and become a part of their survival story.