Busbridge Lakes

I'd never heard of Busbridge Lakes until my neighbour mentioned it.  It's not far from me and surprisingly very close to a National Trust property I visit regularly.

The Gardens are only open around Bank Holidays so today, I set off in brilliant sunshine for a visit...
and arrived in thick mist.

Busbridge is a Grade 2A Heritage Garden.  The house was formerly the coach-house and stabling of the original Busbridge Hall... and ;probably adapted by Lutyens aroud 1906.

The Old Hall was a timber building and built in 1560..  converted 90 years later, enlarged in 1775 and then demolished in 1906. It's location being the middle (of 3) lakes.

The main property was acquired in 1966, additional purchases made up to 2000 and is now 40 acres of grounds.

In terms of birds; more ethan 60 kinds of wild bird have been noted.
Today I saw my first first Lesser Woodpecker !!

There are 'exotic' birds as well... but a lot of the 'pens' seemed empty... although the lake and gardens have many occupants.

One of the follies..

The Boathouse

I stopped for a drink from the cafe.. and the sun came out!!

Decided as I was about a 10 minute drive from Winkworth Arboretum I'd stop for lunch.
and an excellent scone was had