Visiting the garden at Canons Ashby

Looking after the wildlife 

At Canons Ashby, planting takes place with nature and wildlife in mind, as well as for visitors. Plants are selected that insects and birds will love, which are grown from seed in the local area so there is less of an impact on the environment. 

Homes for the smallest residents

As you explore the garden and grounds, you may find habitat piles or bug hotels in certain places, where leaves, wood and other garden debris have been collected and left in a safe place. This provides protection for creatures like hedgehogs, small mammals and insect life in the cold winter months.

There are also wildlife homes and refuges behind the scenes, which provide places for growing biodiversity and habitats for creatures of all types.  

As part of looking after the wildlife, apples and pears are left on the trees or ground. This fruit provides food for lots of creatures in the coldest months, particularly birds like fieldfares or waxwings. 

The team regularly check the nest boxes in the garden and parkland. If needed, the boxes are given a clean and prepared for future lodgers. By monitoring which boxes are being used, more information can be discovered about what types of birds are living here. 

For families 

There's plenty of activities to do and things to explore, to keep the family entertained all year round. With the garden, parkland and paddock, there's plenty of space for your young adventurers to stretch their legs and blow off some steam. Have a chat with the team at visitor reception when you arrive to find out what trails are available. 

Autumn highlights in the garden 

As autumn begins to paint the landscape in rich seasonal colours, the gardens are entering one of their most spectacular times of year. Displays can already be seen throughout the grounds, with the Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) providing vibrant colour in the car park, while the Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica), along with the historic apple and pear trees, is starting its transformation into a beautiful palette of autumn shades.

This year’s perennial planting scheme has been a particular success. Despite enduring prolonged periods of hot, dry weather throughout the summer, the terrace beds and borders around the house have performed exceptionally well. Carefully chosen for their resilience and ability to thrive in drier conditions, these perennials will continue to develop and improve year after year, creating long-lasting displays while reducing the need for seasonal replanting.

The historic fruit trees have also enjoyed a productive year, producing an impressive harvest despite the dry summer conditions. Their abundance will be celebrated during the Apple Harvest Weekend in September, when visitors can enjoy displays showcasing the garden's seasonal bounty. Some of the fruit is shared with a local cider producer, while some is left on the trees to provide an important source of food for wildlife, including winter visitors such as redwings and fieldfares.

As the seasons change, the gardens continue to offer new colours, textures and highlights, ensuring there is always something to discover and enjoy.

 

 

Please note, we have cattle grazing in the wider Parkland, so please be aware when walking through these spaces

Here are some tips to help you stay safe around the livestock you may encounter on the farmland:

Try not to startle livestock
As you’re approaching, whistle or talk to the livestock so they’re aware of your presence. If you then walk past calmly and quietly, the animals are more likely to ignore you.

Cattle may become excitable or frightened by large groups, so try to keep members of your group calm and quiet as you pass.

Don’t panic or run if cattle approach you
Cows can be very inquisitive and may move towards you, but they will usually stop before they reach you. If this happens, be confident and don’t panic. If you run, they may try to follow you.

Think ahead
Don’t allow yourself to become cornered by a group of cattle. They may just be curious, but cows pushing from the back of the herd could cause those in front to panic if they are forced too close to you.

If you find cattle blocking your way, clap your hands loudly as you approach and they should move out of your way. If not, leave the path and go round them.

Take extra care when livestock are with their young
Don’t get between mothers and their young. Most are very protective and can become aggressive. Make sure you give them lots of space.

Leave all gates as you find them
A farmer might have closed a gate to stop their livestock from wandering or left a gate open to let their animals move more freely. Do your bit to help farmers by leaving all gates as you find them.