Embrace nature at the Gardens of Easton Lodge this June

Birds, bats and bees are set to feature at the Gardens of Easton Lodge’s nature day on Sunday, June 15.

Fens Falconry will demonstrate birds of prey while a team of biologists, led by Ann Forbes, will conduct family-friendly pond dipping and bug hunts.

Essex Bat Group will highlight the species of bat that live in and around the gardens.

Beekeepers will tell all about the social life of a honey bee colony, while the Buzz Club will help visitors identify the different types of bees and explain their importance as pollinators. The nature activities will also include owl pellet dissection.

A spokeswoman for the historic gardens, maintained by a charitable trust, said: “The gardens are looking refreshed and colourful after the recent rain. The Italian Garden has calm blue irises, nepeta and alliums and vibrant magenta roses, and there are specimen plants, too, to look out for.

“Pink, yellow and white waterlilies thrive in the Harold Peto pond, visited by dragonflies, newts and occasional ducks!

“The scent of roses welcomes visitors to the walled kitchen garden, and its flower border and herb beds have been full of flowers, supporting bees and butterflies. The wildflower spiral will be a riot of colour through June.”

Produce from the walled kitchen garden will be on sale alongside other plant, produce and craft stalls.

Refreshments, including homemade cakes, will be on sale, thanks to The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust volunteers.

Dogs on leads are welcome, and the gardens open at 11am with the last entry at 4pm before the site closes at 5pm.

For tickets, see www.eastonlodge.co.uk or www.trybooking.com.