See autumn’s wonders at Leonardslee before the trees become bare
he colour of autumn is upon us, the chill of the morning, the mist of the late evening, the leaves starting to fall to the ground as the squirrels gather nuts for the winter months. Before the trees become bare take a visit to Leonardslee gardens for the wonder of nature’s natural colour.
Leaves start to turn into a myriad of autumn colours and create incredible reflections in the lakes and around the gardens.
Hundreds of varieties of trees can be found throughout Leonardslee and their bark looks stunning in this season, contrasted against the backdrop of changing colours and the new sculptures.
Throughout the autumn months of September, October, and November, many of the woodland fungi have fruiting bodies visible on trees and in the leaf litter. Much of the fungi finding its way into the kitchen and on to the plates of diners.
The autumn and winter displays of colour in the gardens are a major attraction for
Tvisitors, with the trees ablaze with pinks, yellows, reds, and many shades of bronze. A visit to the oak and acer walk is a must, to see the colours of the grand oaks, and acers. Take the paths over the beech trees with their views of the bluebell wood, down to the seven lakes, with the many species reflected in the water.
Just above middle pond, see the hickory trees, along with ginkgo trees dressed in their amazing autumnal finery. Their beautiful colours are highlighted among the green of the renowned rhododendron collection with late sunlight glimpsing through the trees.
Photography opportunities, for budding experts and amateurs, the colony of winterhardy Bennett Wallabies are descendants of the original herd brought here by Sir Edmund Loder in 1889. With their thick, warm coats, they spend their mornings enjoying the winter sun before foraging in the gardens. Take a walk through the deer park: they are easier to spot as the undergrowth has died down now.
While wandering through the deer park, keep an eye out for the deer rut as young stags and bucks compete to attract a harem of females. During mating season, male deer become more aggressive and will bellow out a call or engage in physical combat. If their bugling call is unable to frighten off rivals, they will battle for supremacy by going head-to-head.
Many migrating birds come to shelter and feed on the berries at Leonardslee in the autumn and winter months – the perfect opportunity to identify birds among the bare trees, around the seven lakes. Migrating ducks fly over the lakes, and cormorants can be seen diving for fish.
While waders such as snipe and woodcock can be spotted in the woods as birds of prey circle overhead.
This is me signing off from the West Sussex Gazette. I have enjoyed working as a volunteer for this series of papers and magazines but it is time to say goodbye as I take on new challenges.
Thank you for your readership.