Pensthorpe

Pensthorpe is set in 500 acres of countryside with miles of nature trails to explore through ancient fen meadows, woodland and a series of lakes. Pensthorpe is home to a collection of waterfowl including endangered exotic waterfowl from around the world. Dozens of migratory bird species can be seen during the winter and summer months and specially created hides help you get closer to nature. Originally flooded gravel pits until the early eighties, Pensthorpe has been restored as a safe haven for wildlife including the creation of islands for safe nesting areas, and shallow scrapes for waders and other species. A highlight of our visit was a trip around the reserve in a landrover, discovering some of the wildlife. The guide was excellent, pointing out various birds and habitats.

A crane of some sort...

Of course the main purpose of my visit, although I forgot to mention this to long-suffering garden visitor Dad, was to see the Millenium Garden, planted by Piet Oudolf. Created in 2000, this was Oudolf's first ever public creation, He was invited back in 2008 to refresh the planting. Even in November it was looking pretty good to me. Like all his prairie style gardens, the plants are not cut back in autumn, so that wildlife can enjoy the seedheads. This also gives his gardens a wild, rather dreamy quality I think.