Wildlife flourishes during lockdown at leading National Trust property between Horsham and Crawley

Lockdown has led to an increase in wildlife at a leading National Trust property in Sussex.
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Animals. birds and bees have been flourishing at Nymans Gardens in Handcross while the property has been closed to the public because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lead ranger Chloe Bradbrooke said: “There’s been a huge change in the nature activity we’d normally see at Nymans.

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“Hedgehogs, and woodland birds like nuthatches and black caps quickly moved in and set up home.

Wildlife is flourishing at Nymans during lockdown. Photo: National Trust Kirstin Kelly SUS-200619-141943001Wildlife is flourishing at Nymans during lockdown. Photo: National Trust Kirstin Kelly SUS-200619-141943001
Wildlife is flourishing at Nymans during lockdown. Photo: National Trust Kirstin Kelly SUS-200619-141943001

“Birdsong has been incredible, with no cars or planes to drown it out, and wildlife just seems less timid.

“In the woods I’ve been able to watch deer up close, and in my own garden I’ve sat quietly in the dark with a hedgehog snuffling around me for 10 minutes.

“Lockdown really brought me closer to nature.I love being up early. There’s a stillness and freshness that sort of heightens your senses and makes you more aware of what’s around you.

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“The light is different too – perfect for wildlife photography. It’s the best time to soak up birdsong too, and all the tiny wildlife minutiae that we so often miss, like dew-covered spiders’ webs that make the grass sparkle.”

Robins are more active in the mornings and  at dusk. Photo: National Trust Jemma Finch  SUS-200619-141716001Robins are more active in the mornings and  at dusk. Photo: National Trust Jemma Finch  SUS-200619-141716001
Robins are more active in the mornings and at dusk. Photo: National Trust Jemma Finch SUS-200619-141716001

A poll commissioned by the National Trust has revealed how an increased relationship with nature appears to have helped people across the UK since the coronavirus outbreak in March.

With this weekend’s summer solstice, the conservation charity is encouraging people all over the country to make the most of the longest day by noticing and enjoying the moment, either by experiencing a dawn or sunset in their garden or local green space; or noticing the wildlife and flowers active at dawn or dusk in their garden or local park.

For more information on ways to enjoy this weekend see https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nature-dawn-to-dusk

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Nymans Garden has now reopened to the public but booking is required.

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