Surrey Archives - Page 11 of 19

Exploring Mayfield Lavender

Lavender fields are wonderful, even before you get there you can visualise those bright hues. Perhaps it’s because you dream about capturing your three year old jumping in the air above a sea of purple. Or running with balloons gently blowing in the breeze behind her. Okay so I made the last bit up but you get the picture!

Mayfield Lavender is a 25 acre family run farm located in Banstead, Surrey. There’s a lovely story around how it came about. Owner Brendan Maye believed consumers needed to witness the beauty of lavender to accept it as a relevant fragrance. He was MD at the fine fragrance division of Wella UK at that point.

He came up with a proposal to buy a farm and revive the lavender growing under the Yardley brand. Although this was rejected by his parent company, two years later he got the go-ahead although was stopped from actually buying a farm. The plan fell apart later when the Yardley brand was sold. But unperturbed Brendan decided to acquire the project himself.

While he continued his day job, his wife Lorna came to the rescue learning how to harvest lavender among other things. Brendan and Lorna now work together at Mayfield Lavender. They are proud the field sits on the same spot where lavender was grown in the 18th and 19th century.

Mayfield Lavender has an annual lavender festival in July which includes everything from bug hunts, tractor rides and massages to photography classes, Morris Dancing and the clincher – a hog roast! We couldn’t make it this year but we decided to visit Mayfield for the first time the following day.

It was a glorious day, the sun shone, the sky was blue and littered with cotton wool like clouds. We hoped POD would sleep en route but it wasn’t to be. What a sight greeted us when we arrived though – there was purple as far as the eye could see. A field of total awesomeness.

We took a short walk but food was in order before we ventured further. There’s an array of options available at Mayfield including drinks and treats infused with lavender. We opted for freshly made sarnies and POD had a lolly afterwards. There’s also a great gift shop at Mayfield where you can purchase lavender.

Refueled we set off to explore ever hopeful of capturing POD having fun in the lavender. It wasn’t going to be easy as you can see from this don’t take a photograph of me face.

But she perk up and before long was pointing at the bees and “butt-flies”.

The pathways were nice and wide so there was plenty of room for everyone. The lavender rows were perfectly pruned, they even included areas where you could ‘swap lanes’ if you needed to. POD wasn’t her usual perky self but she had her moments.

Like the moment she took herself off on her own adventure amid the sweet smelling lavender. She may not be facing camera but she didn’t know I was behind her either. Nor that I’d been running like a buffoon to capture her in that sea of purple!

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast and #CountryKids at Coombe Mill.

Discovering Frensham Little Pond

It was a brilliantly busy week that saw me in London, Suffolk, Norfolk and back to London. It was then a case of re-packing the unpacked bag for two nights away at a blogger conference. Enjoying family time and restoring a sense of calm was essential when I returned. Blowing away those cobwebs is just the best, even more so when your office is also your home. All we needed was a little time out to restore the balance.

Poppies & roses at RHS Wisley

Last week saw me escape to somewhere I visit often – RHS Wisley. This Surrey gem features regularly on the blog and with good reason too. The ever changing landscape is always a delight regardless of the time of year. What continually amazes me is how quickly it varies from one visit to the next.

We mostly visit as a family although it’s a great place to potter around with a camera too. The upside to living such a short distance away from the RHS flagship garden.

This last visit saw me pass The Rocks then head left – in the opposite direction to The Glasshouse. Having had a quick nose around the orchard, I got distracted by these beauties and the Fruit Demonstration Garden before arriving at the Hillside.

There I stumbled on an incredible sight that almost took my breath away – a commemorative poppy field to mark the centenary of the First World War. You will find more photographs in this Poppy Magic post.

Having lingered a little too long with the poppies, I explored the nearby area

before finding myself in this fabulous herb garden complete with rose covered benches.

I’m not sure where I headed from there but I ended up in the magical Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden which truly is a sight to behold. It mixes roses with perennials in an original yet fantastic way. There was beauty everywhere you looked.

This part of Wisley was designed by landscape architect Robert Myers who is an RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalist. He has captured the colour and texture perfectly with roses grouped together and colour co-ordinated.

There are a series of shallow steps from the Pavilion at the top with the colours displayed including yellows, whites, creams, pinks and dark reds. We had grand prix red roses at our wedding so these are always rather special.

The beds reach out to ornamental trees and curve round circular lawns with yew pillars and other trees creating height.

As you reach the bottom of this garden, you’re enticed into the AGM Borders Garden by the sound of trickling water.

This garden is inspired by the range of Award of Garden Merit (AGM). The borders continually evolve to reflect the seasons and include shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annual bedding plants.

Everywhere you looked was beautiful.

At Battleston Hill there is a unique woodland garden containing usual trees and plants from all over the world. There are two trails to be discovered here too.

This glorious day made the views at Battleston Hill no doubt even more amazing.

Given how regularly I visit, I’m still amazed I found gardens I’d not previously seen. Not only does RHS Wisley have the ability to excite and amaze on every visit – there is plenty to explore.

Linking up with Mammasaurus for #HDYGG.

Exploring Birdworld

Located in Surrey, Birdworld Park and Gardens are also home to the Jenny Wren Farm and Underwater World. Having stocked up on bird and duck food, our first stop was the penguin feeding. There are two species at Birdworld – the Humboldt penguins and the African penguins. We arrived just in time to see the latter being fed at Penguin Beach.

Afterwards we embarked on some feeding of our own which POD adored. Although apprehensive with the birds initially, she had a raft of ducks head towards her – even the black swans didn’t phase her.

POD wanted to see the fish before we checked out all the birds so we headed to Underwater World (located near the entrance of Birdworld). En route we passed many interesting looking birds like these rather spectacular pigeons

and a stand of flamingoes.

POD was in her element at Underwater World. There were stools available for younger children so she had a great view throughout.

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She was a little taken aback when she first saw a catfish but quickly realised it couldn’t catch her!

There are over 30 exhibits at Underwater World from fish to crustaceans, amphibians and reptiles. POD liked these stripey yellow fish

plus of course Nemo and Dory! I lost track how many times she said “what is that?”

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although when we saw a crocodile it became “Mummy is that crocodile real?”. POD realised it was when it moved!

In the undercover Temperate House, POD embarked on a little dancing to the background music while checking out the owls. Even though she’d been told about birds flying around above her, it came as a bit of surprise. There was much pointing – at the birds flying overhead then at the fish below.

One of the single largest aviaries at Birdworld is Parrots in Flight. Housing species from all over the world, the aviary allows the birds a huge free flight space to stretch their wings. POD thought they were the funniest of birds, we stood and watched their amusing antics for a good few minutes. It was great to see them swooping in the outdoor flying display too.

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We also checked out Outback Landing which is a walk-though aviary with parrots, finches and other small birds. Along the small parrot walk we found aviaries with the smaller parrot species, brightly coloured with shrill calls.

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It was glorious at that point so we had a quick stop for a lolly – and a few magic spells!

There are lots of hornbills and toucans at Birdworld but there’s a large group of them in the Hornbill Block. Our favourite was the Toco Toucan although we didn’t get too close!

The Crescent aviaries offer brightly coloured alternatives to the kinds of birds you’d normally find in your garden like starlings and thrushes. As you can see they’re quite unusual.

Around Birdworld are paddocks for the larger birds – such as great bustards, storks and emus. They can be viewed from the shelters which is a great way to see them in their own habitat. This little fella trundled over to say hello whilst chomping on a snack.

The owls kept an eye on us as we observed them. Looking back it probably wasn’t a good idea to tell POD they could turn their head all the way round. She was really disappointed I couldn’t do the same. We missed the owl prowl feeding but we must catch that on our next visit – and the Safari Road Train!

The Jenny Wren Farm is located at the far end of Birdworld. There’s a great collection of animals including sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, turkeys, guinea pigs, rabbits, reindeer and these wonderful creatures.

After checking out the children’s play area, we headed over to Animal Encounters. This provides children with the opportunity to handle small animals. POD was handed a mouse but she wasn’t very keen on holding it! She loved the rabbits and guinea pigs though, especially when she got to feed and brush them!

The Jenny Wren farm is fabulous at this time of year, the goats especially had been particularly busy.

POD loved spending time in a pen with the kids – great hearing her chat to them as well. She’d insisted on wearing a party dress too, not the usual attire for a farm! Seeing the kids was the perfect end to a great visit.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

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Poppy magic

The delight at finding something new in a place you know well is a great surprise. Even better if another unexpected sight takes your breath away just moments later.

Thousands of poppies, in perfectly formed rows basking in the sunshine under a bright blue sky. A real feast for the eyeballs.

Visitors at RHS Wisley exchanged smiles and spoke quietly whilst capturing what lay before them. The sense of calm no doubt instigated by these poignant blooms so widely recognised as the symbol of peace and remembrance.

Walking a little further meant you could sit in-between the rows of poppies. Just sit and stare at the hairy buds, the fragile petals and the intricate detail just calling to be photographed.

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I’ve not seen poppies en masse since POD was born, just a handful every now again by the side of the road. Somehow seeing so many in one place brought back memories of that day.

POD arrived on Christmas Day 2010. She took so long to arrive the shortlist of suitable names was long forgotten. Strangely when the midwife asked “what do you want to call her?” we both said Poppy at the same time. So Poppy she became.

Seems a coincidence that in the week I see a carpet of poppies, POD starts learning how to spell. Hearing her say “P-P-P is for Poppy” is the most wonderful thing.

Linking up with #MagicMoments at The Oliver’s Madhouse, this week hosted by Verily Victoria Vocalises

Exploring Headley Heath

Headley Heath is a designated Site of Specific Interest with a mix of open heathland, shady woods and steep chalk grassland valleys. Managed by the National Trust, it covers some 300 hectares of the North Downs in Surrey.

Having realised we were a day too early for a miltary history open day (Mummy’s fault!), we headed for the Lizard Trail. This is a 3km walk covering Dean Wood Heath, The Pyramids, Aspen Pond, Purley Plain, Bellamoss Pond and the Brown Pond. The weather wasn’t on our side but in true British style we headed off anyway!

A Sunny Day

It was the first day of the year that warranted a swimming costume, oodles of sun cream and a paddling pool of water. Not to mention the wonderful hat we fell in love with last Summer.

Seeing a paddling pool full of water pleased POD greatly. She enjoyed watching the reflections although it wasn’t long before it was cluttered with watering cans, a bucket and a few flowers.

It was unbelievable to see this long-legged person tower over a pool that was perfect a year ago. POD’s recently shot up gaining a couple of inches in the last two months alone. The plait she requested made her look even older.

Having decided against going in the pool straightaway, POD got comfortable on a chair filling various implements with water. It’s amazing how long you can busy yourself for when tipping one bucket of water into another! POD had not wanted hot water added to her pool but quickly realised it was cold without! She wanted to give the feet a dip though.

After laughing at her “yellow bucket shoes” she emptied a sandpit of water onto the grass to create a muddy puddle. She jumped up and down with glee at her creation

before heading back to the pool to wash her muddy feet and do it all again.

With the paddling pool full of garden toys and emptied of half its water, forward rolls were on the agenda. POD even requested a photograph be taken while she was upside down.

Swingball became the focus once she’d tired of water play – as you’d expect a racket was not required! This approach was short-lived though after she toppled over.

Swingball did become part of a magic show after that – the ball turning into a rabbit that leapt from her hat.

After practicing her jumping skills and asking if she could have a unicorn, POD took to the swing. She rocked to and fro occasionally running to increase her speed. It wasn’t a day for running around too much although we did a bit of that as well as the obligatory jumping on Daddy.

The bubbles made an appearance a little later. It took POD a while to realise you don’t need to blow really hard but she did crack it. She learnt a valuable lesson in not licking your fingers afterwards – as did I!

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

The gardens at Loseley Park

Set in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is Loseley Park, home to the More-Molyneux family for 500 years. The House has many fascinating features including panels from Nonsuch Palace, magnificent paintings, clocks and cabinets.

The Walled Garden has had many lives since it was laid out formally in the 16th Century, including an organic vegetable garden, orchard and designs by Gertrude Jekyll. The gardens are now five distinctly different ‘rooms’, each with their own style.

The award-winning Rose Garden was a present from Mike More-Molyneaux to his wife Sarah and is planted with over a thousand old fashioned rose bushes. The smell is incredible and it must make for a great sight from the house.

Varieties in the Rose Garden include bourbons, gallicas, rugosas, albas, moss, damask and English. All are framed with perfectly pruned low box hedges.

At the centre of the Rose Garden is a gazebo adorned with white roses.

Up from here are the greenhouses and the herb garden which is divided into culinary, medicinal, household and decorative sections. It contains over 200 herbs, some of which dating back to ancient times. Busy bees collect pollen nearby.

The Flower Garden is a burst of colour combining shrubs and herbaceous plants with annuals and bulbs.

These enormous poppies were certainly the highlight – perhaps a biased view given POD’s name is Poppy.

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The White Garden is a tranquil area with white, cream and silver blooms with the Organic Vegetable and Cut Flower Garden nearby.

The South Bank is planted with a variety of perennial waterside plants with the Wildflower Meadow (across from the moat) alive with colour.

It was great to be back at Loseley again, such a wonderful place to visit. And they do very good ice-cream too!

Linking up with Mammasaurus for #HDYGG.

Photos from Chilworth Gunpowder Mill

Among Chilworth woods, on the course of the Tilling Bourne river, once stood a gunpowder mill. Founded by the East India Company in 1625, it was one of the largest powder works in the country, employing 600 people at its peak, and supplying gunpowder to the government.

The downturn in demand for explosives at the end of the war resulted in amalgamations in the industry, leading to the closure of the last factory in 1920. Many of the buildings were converted into dwellings after that point and a small community known at “Tin Town” lived in the valley until the early 1960’s.

Although many have been demolished, several buildings still exist within the site. Like these old walls of former buildings,

the steam engine bed

and an edge runner stone.

A selection of these old millstones are visible as you walk towards the old mill.

There’s also a swing bridge which helped punts travel up and down the waterways.

By the river and wetlands, a storage hut is nestled in-between the trees.

This area although overgrown for the most part is surrounded by beautiful pathways.

What was once the old mill stood tall in the sunshine, the blue sky its backdrop.

Its remains are classed as a monument

but being exposed to the elements it’s awash with moss and ivy.

I’m not sure this wonderful place would have been discovered if it hadn’t been for wanting an abandoned photo. But what a great find.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

Family fun at Bocketts Farm

Bocketts Farm is a working family farm set in the Surrey countryside. With a combination of animal and play areas, indoors and out, it’s always a fun day.

Last time we visited POD was a little wary of the animals in the stables at first. On this occasion she wanted to know what each horse was called, what it was doing and what it ate. There were goats nearby and whilst they were a bit to lively for her, we were optimistic this was the day she’d feed animals herself.

In the Big Animal Barn, POD climbed onto a step as she had on our last visit to see a sow and her piglets. Much to her excitement also in the Big Animal Barn were sheep, lambs, alpacas, goats, a kid and cows.

Having seen Daddy and other children feed the animals, POD decided she’d like to have a go too. With animal feed in an outstretched palm, she watched in amazement as a sheep licked it off her hand.