PENSTHORPE NATURAL PARK
A remarkably beautiful place for enjoying the natural world, this 700-acre park, 11 miles inland from the north Norfolk coast, offers an abundance of wildlife in varied habitats. There’s something of interest in all seasons and while it’s great for a stroll – by yourself or with friends and family – you can also join in lots of activities, such as interactive trails, pond dipping and bird feeding, all aiming to bring visitors closer to nature.
The River Wensum, which runs through the site, is designated a Special Area of Conservation and there are four different habitats: wetlands, ancient woodlands, grasslands and farmland. Conservation projects include the reintroduction of red squirrels and corncrakes – you might also spot cranes and turtle doves. The park is also home to four exceptionally beautiful gardens. In the Wildlife Habitat Garden, you’ll find lots of ideas to help you create your own wildlife-friendly space.
There’s also the Wave Garden, which features yew hedging and simple romantic plantings designed by award-winning designer Julie Toll, and the Corten Infinity Garden, where vibrant planting within curved sheets of rust-coloured steel line walkways and an award-winning eco-play area.
Finally, there is the Millennium Garden – arguably the most impressive of the gardens. This was entrusted to Dutch designer Piet Oudolf, who is highly regarded for his naturalistic planting style. His clever mix of perennials, grasses and shrubs has a long season of interest and looks particularly good in late summer through to autumn. There’s also a secret sculpture park and a Courtyard Café selling Norfolk food and drinks.
The park is owned by husband and wife Bill and Deb Jordan (Bill was founder of Jordans Cereals), who are passionate about promoting the power of nature and its ability to promote wellbeing. The television series Springwatch was filmed there from 2008-2010, and with so much to see and do all year round, you can easily see why it was chosen. Pensthorpe Natural Park, Pensthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0LN 01328 851465, pensthorpe.com. Usually open 7 days a week all year round except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.