AUTUMN DISPLAYS

The autumn and winter displays of colour in the gardens are a major attraction for visitors, 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 amelanchiers, swamp cypress and others reflected in shimmering water.

At this magical time of year at Leonardslee. Mist settles over the lakes and is pierced by sunlight through the surrounding trees. It creates mesmerising theatre as the light changes during the day.

Just above Middle Pond, see the hickory trees, nyssa too, along with ginkgo trees dressed in their amazing autumnal finery. Can you spot the 75 different varieties of acer trees in the gardens? Their beautiful colours are highlighted amongst the green of the renowned rhododendron collection.

THE ROCK GARDEN

With its variety of conifers and foliage, the famous Rock Garden, created in 1890, turns into a sea of greens, blues, and yellows in winter months. The acers, in particular, become a most beautiful shade of bronze and yellow. The lichens and moss create fascinating shapes and colours on the Pulhamite rocks.

AUTUMN WILDLIFE

Our colony of winter-hardy 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. This is a particularly stunning spot when the frost descends, the ice crystals sparkle in the sunlight creating the perfect spot for photographers.

RUTTING SEASON

Every autumn, whilst 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.

This magnificent sight is one to observe from a safe distance with any dogs securely on a lead at all times.

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 amongst the bare trees, around the seven lakes. Migrating ducks fly over the lakes, and cormorants can be seen diving for fish. Whilst waders such as Snipe and Woodcock can be spotted in the woods as birds of prey circle overhead.

AUTUMN PLANTS TO LOOK OUT FOR