Grounds and gardens

Ancient and new woods, copses and hedges, provide havens for wildlife and biodiversity. Many meadows are restored to encourage wild flowers and improve the environment. We manage all of our land regeneratively.

Outside the boundaries of the garden, our pastures are extensively grazed all year round by our Highlands. These wonderful cattle are a huge hit with guests and many visitors take the opportunity to get to know them better. Children in particular love to comb their long coats! The biodiversity and wildlife has flourished since they arrived in 2009. 

All of the land is in environmental schemes. You are encouraged to walk through the fields and down to the River Swale with magnificent views all around. The river bank is a great place to try your hand at a spot of fishing, enjoy a family picnic, skim stones and build pebble towers, or just sit and read a book or chat. Walk anywhere from the house, and look out for owls, hares, partridge, pheasants, small mammals and an abundance of bird life. Otters have even been spotted playing in the water and the colourful but elusive kingfishers nest here each summer.