Birds at Uppark

As we arrive each morning, we’re greeted by the colourful display of Pheasants clucking their distinctive roosting call as they take to the skies in a chaotic fashion, disturbed by the noise of a car. They flee onto woodland banks, bare trees and the flint walls that surrounds the garden.

This year we’ve already seen Song Thrushes in the gardens, perched high in the crowns of deciduous trees, our attention being drawn to them by their wonderful flute-like song. They prefer to be under cover, this is evident as rustling leaves are rapidly flicked out beneath shrubs, followed by the beautiful speckled feathered bird, emerging from the under-growth.

Song Thrush at Uppark

Red Kite, Alight

Circling in the sky, or gliding in the dip of the South Meadow is the frequent, majestic sight of the Red Kite, an elegant, graceful bird of prey with a characteristic forked tail, hunting for unsuspecting prey waiting to silently plummet for its supper.

Last week, from the gardeners’ mess, Head Gardener Andy spotted a Tree Creeper climbing a tree in a spiral fashion. Then, when we took a moment to observe, a flock of 7 Long- tailed tits were busy feasting amongst the nearby hedgerow. Proof that, with just a few minutes of quiet observation, at this time of year, it’s possible to see many birds in your garden.

Go Compare

Why not compare birds in your garden and see how they differ to those found at Uppark? Make a note of those seen at home and bring that note book with you so you can go compare!

A Gardener’s Companion

When working in the garden, we love to have the company of the Robin, perching on our wheelbarrows or fork handles waiting to consume worms or our garden pests. These are just some of the birds the garden team are lucky enough to see in the gardens at Uppark. Once we open for the season (March 10) during your visit, if you see any others here or have bird watching stories to share we would love to hear from you. ’Go Bird Watching’ is one of our ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’!

Our ‘Cameras at Dawn’ event on Monday 13th May 2013 will be a great opportunity to view our resident wildlife which is set amongst the most beautiful grounds and stunning scenery. For £15 bring a camera and we’ll supply a full English breakfast – booking essential.

More Information: Uppark property office, 01730 825 415, uppark@nationaltrust.org.uk

A Sustainable Christmas

On a rainy day at Uppark, we made a start on the Christmas preparations. The garden department are decorating the beautiful stables using natural materials for the Family Christmas weekend on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December 2012 – there might be the odd bit of sparkle…

Children will have the opportunity to enjoy a fun and educational journey through the stables before meeting Father Christmas.

We had great fun designing and creating decorations from coppiced Hazel and Willow and experimenting with Yew and Ivy; for our Sustainable Christmas.

With Head Gardener Andy’s great tuition and creativity, using natural products available from the woodland and garden we are producing some great things!

L-R, Andy in observational mood, Paul in his usual jocular mood and Judy, diligent as ever.

We also had the company of two very special dogs Maisie and Spud.

Our ‘winter woodland’ in the stables will be available for all to see at the Family Christmas weekend at Uppark House and Garden on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December.

Left, Volunteer Carleton putting Andy’s designs to the test 

We hope you’ll come and join us for some festive fun at Uppark House and Garden!

Right, Maisie looks on; below Judy and Jasper enjoying working with natural materials

A Recipe from the Garden

For this Garden Conservation recipe: ‘Re-awakening of the Garden‘, created around 1820, you will need:

x 2 Curators James Rothwell and Nicola Pickering (in her first job as Curator – welcome!)  – one will suffice but we were feeling indulgent, provides a solid base.

x 1 Gardens Adviser  (Mike Buffin) – an essential natural ingredient

x 1 External Gardens Consultant (Sarah Rutherford) – helps to bind the ingredients together

x 1 Internal National Specialist in Garden History (Richard Wheeler)  – ensures all ingredients are well mixed, provides variety and a little spice….

x 1 Head Gardener (Andy Lewis) – adds flavour and essential when cutting out the shapes

x 1 Visitor Operations Manager (Julia Barker) – helps to make sure the mixture doesn’t get too slippery.

x  1 Visitor Experience Consultant (Matthew Tyler-Jones) – as and when required

Method

Add the Gardens Adviser and National specialist in Garden History first and make sure well mixed and doesn’t froth over.

Then add the Head Gardener, turn up the heat and bring to a simmer.

After about half and hour gradually introduce the Curators, Visitor Experience Consultant and Visitor Operations Manager stir well and increase the heat slightly.

Once bubbling, add the External Consultant and observe carefully. When you’re happy all the ingredients have had a chance to mix, bake in a moderately warm office and then once done, take outside to cool.The proof will be in the pudding……

The Detail (- finally!)

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss our plans to restore the original line of the peripheral border and discuss the archaeology of the site, specifically the existence of the path network. During the recent earthworks we discovered the circuit path and have recorded the details. We’ve since seeded the area with grass seed and we have germination. We’ve evidence to suggest there was also a Rosary on site but the exact location is subject to further investigation.

Grubbing out the Junipers in August. These had become overgrown and were significantly beyond the original line of the border…so out they came! 

The ex-Junipers