Stansted Park is really at it’s best at the moment – the sun streaming through the trees, butterflies flitting around, the woods full of birdsong. With the woodland being extremely well managed by the Forestry department and much of the park now under Environmental Stewardship we are seeing more and more rare wildlife returning to the estate.
There are a number of rare birds that have been heard including Turtle Doves, Nightjars and Woodlarks – and you can see buzzards, kestrels, sparrow hawks and red kites on a good day. There are nesting barn owls and young tawney owls starting to find their wings at the moment.
There are badgers, foxes, hares and rabbits alongside roe and fallow deer although best to find these at dawn or dusk.
With 36 miles of footpaths crisscossing the estate, you have an incredible opportunity to explore this amazing corner of the South Downs National Park – with walks that take you through mature woodland or across pasture and fields with views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. There is a fairly good map of footpaths that you can find here.
And once you’ve enjoyed your walk, you can come and relax at the Farm Shop or Pavilion Tea Rooms – with wood fired pizzas, tea coffee and cake available. Or you can visit the house, Maze or Garden Centre for a wonderful day out.
If you have any wildlife photos that you would like to share, then please email me….