In today’s fast-paced world, where technology dominates our lives and urbanisation seems to swallow up green spaces, it’s easy to forget the profound connection we share with nature.
Yet, as we rush through our daily routines, the lighter mornings, the birdsong, and the return of early green buds on the trees, Spring continues to call out to us, inviting us to immerse ourselves in natures soothing embrace.
This call to reconnect with nature is at the heart of the newly popularised Nature and Eco therapy trend – approaches that harnesses the healing power of the natural world to promote holistic well-being.
Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature can promote relaxation and lower cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress).
Moreover, eco and nature therapies have been shown to improve mental well-being. Research indicates that exposure to nature and light can elevate mood, increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction, and alleviate symptoms of depression.
As the seemingly never-ending wet winter finally looks to be behind us, now is the perfect time to revel in Whatley’s glorious grounds as the flora and fauna burst into life.
We invite you to soothe your soul and awaken your senses in our 12 acres of classic English country gardens, boasting 13 distinct areas, each with a strong theme based on colour, scent or style.
The layout and planting has remained true to the original 1920’s Arts and Crafts design, enhanced by more contemporary touches, including a specially commissioned sculpture.
At Whatley Manor, we take sustainability very seriously and are continually striving for new eco-friendly ways of estate maintenance and sustainable management of the gardens including a no-dig kitchen garden.
Catch a glimpse of one of the Chefs gathering vegetables and herbs for their seasonal dishes. Or maybe one of the gardeners working in the orchard.
New to the gardens this season is the bee hurdle fence constructed by Luke Shaw from our gardens team. The bees have recently been rehomed in a new location, and the hurdle fence provides a gentle, natural barrier. Historically, hurdle fences were constructed by weaving branches or flexible wood into a frame to create a barrier to contain livestock. Taking this idea further, Luke used the concept of a hurdle fence to enclose the bee hives at Whatley Manor, using foraged materials. The natural beauty and rustic charm of the hurdle complements the style of the gardens and blends effortlessly with the surrounding countryside.
Spring is the perfect time to visit us for a dose of nature therapy. Our Garden Tour series kicks off in May, and the garden is open as part of the National Gardens Scheme Yellow Book on 5th June National Gardens Scheme
Why not make your trip extra special with lunch or afternoon tea, or a short break, where you can really take the time to fully explore the natural abundance that Whatley Manor and the surrounding countryside has to offer.
