On the trail of adventure

It may be home to a 14th century manor house and its gardens, but Penshurst Place is also teeming with wildlife, all making their home there. Away from the manicured gardens and historic house itself, there’s plenty of chances for kids to let off some steam - and has there ever been a better time for that than now? In the grounds a stone’s throw from the manor house is Penshurst’s Woodland Trail, complete with bug houses, wood sculptures, stepping stones and dozens of ways to see wildlife.

It’s been a labour of love for the gardening team at Penshurst, especially deputy head gardener Nick Mckenzie, who has led on much of the work on it.

Behind the scenes, the team made ‘stumperies’ from old tree trunks to provide a natural habitat for insects; put up new owl boxes, and created a series of different sections for children to explore as they make their way along the trail.

Besides the many bugs and insects, they could see three breeds of deer who live there, owls including tawny, little and barn owls, and an array of birds.

The team have also planted countless bulbs and a wild flower meadow.

Nick said: “You could walk around it in 10 minutes, or you could spend all day in there - it’s completely up to you.”

“We have already got fantastic bio diversity in our environments, but there’s always more you can do. We’ve got a miniature England in our 40-plus acres.”

There will also be regeneration boards along the way, so that young (and older) visitors know what to look out for, and learn as they go.

The trail project is ongoing, with more plans in the pipeline, including a Saxon Round House from which there could be badger watching sessions in the future.

Encompassing a 1km loop, visitors can walk along the trail to discover log pyramids and mushroom carvings.

The den-building area is also ready and waiting for newly-built woodland homes, and there’s a trail activity sheet to pick up and try on your way round.

It reopens to the public after more than three months of closure on Monday, July 6.

As we all adjust to the changing times, Penshurst is open to visitors, but only those who pre-book, to limit numbers, and with time slots. No tickets are on sale at the visitor entrance.

You can book them online a day in advance of your visit to the site.

Also open on site is the Porcupine Pantry with plenty of tasty treats and the Gift Shop, with a one way system. Visitors are also asked to follow social distancing and if enjoying the wider estate, not to bring barbecues and to take rubbish home.

Details at penshurstplace.com