The wildlife and garden at Gibside

A deer in frosty grass itching its face with its leg. — A roe deer in the frost at Gibside | © National Trust/Tony Blackett

From peaceful strolls through the Walled Garden to walks along the winding river and wildlife spotting in the ancient woodlands, there are many ways to experience nature at Gibside.

A Georgian landscape garden

Gibside is a Georgian landscape garden, an early expression of the natural movement. Although some features like the tree-lined Avenue feel formal, the design of Gibside was inspired by Stephen Switzer's work, which moved away from formality and took on a naturalistic approach.

Eighteenth century landscape gardens were influenced by the liberalism of Whig politics and the idealism of classical art. They were designed to imitate nature, to arouse emotions with ‘wow’ moments and create a sensory experience.

As you roam around Gibside, you'll witness this artificial imitation of nature, using colour, light and shape. Meandering paths of dark foliage open to reveal spectacular vista views, and architecture is highlighted by amphitheatres which surprise the wanderer on their journey.

Green plants in a gloomy greenhouse. — Seedlings growing in the greenhouses at Gibside | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

What is growing in spring?

The sweet-smelling blossom of fruit trees appears in the Walled Garden from February to May. Look for acid cherry, plum, apricot, nectarine and peach, as well as the apple trees that line the path through the garden.

A variety of spring bulbs emerge around the grounds – icons of spring like daffodils and tulips, as well as alliums, scilla and dwarf iris. The bright, bell-like flowers of crown imperial fritillaries are a nod to the exotic history of the Orangery.

On your way to the Orangery, notice the flowering arch created by a laburnum tree and a rhododendron ‘Cynthia’ joining together, both planted in the mid-19th- century.

Wander through the sundial garden to catch the scent of the small white flower of osmanthus trees, pruned by our gardeners to create balanced topiary spheres.
Keep an eye on our donation stand to taste the first harvests of spring for yourself. Purple sprouting broccoli, kale, asparagus and broad beans are amongst the fresh produce grown by the gardening team in spring.

After the dormancy of winter, fresh green salad is growing once again, including spinach, spring cabbage, lettuce and herbs.

Stems of rhubarb start to develop a deep pink colour, almost ready for summer pies and crumbles.

Notice sweet peas starting to grow over the ‘wigwams’ made by our gardening team. The support structures are handmade with birch and dogwood harvested on site.

The greenhouses are full of delicate seedlings, plants that will get transferred outside once they are big enough to withstand the weather.
Blackthorn blossom emerges early on the bare stems of the hedgerows, followed by bright green fresh leaves. Both blackthorn and hawthorn are incredibly important for pollinators, supporting a variety of insect species.

Take a walk through the trees to see the woodland floor littered with violets, native bluebells and wood sorrel.

Wild garlic grows in abundance around the woodland paths, catch the distinctive tangy smell in the air as you walk the paths around Gisbide Hall.

Spotting spring wildlife

At Gibside you'll find tree dwelling wildlife from birds and squirrels to hundred-legged insects. Get closer to the waters edge to spot otters and amphibian pondlife or look for signs of roe deer and nocturnal beasts like badgers and bats.

Two swallows sitting on a branch — Swallows on a branch | © National Trust Images/Dougie Holden

See swallows swoop

Swallows migrate to the UK for breeding season, arriving from April. Many make their mud and straw nests in the Stables at Gibside, and chicks are born throughout the summer. You might catch a glimpse of them cosy in their nests or calling for food.

Spot roe deer in the woodland

Roe deer give birth to last year’s young from late spring to early summer. The fawns are born with white spots, helping them camouflage in long grass. If you see a young fawn on its own, give it plenty of space and don’t be alarmed. It is normal for the mothers to leave their young for long periods in between feeds.

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