Garden
of delights  |
Heligan in Cornwall is one of the most magical gardens
in England, bursting with wild life. Blessed
with a mild climate, it can look green and almost tropical even in mid winter
when most places are still in the grips of cold weather.
| | Lost world - stunning
gardens at Heligan |
Heligan benefits from its geographical
position, lying at the western most tip of the UK, jutting out into the waters
of the Gulf Stream.
This warm ocean current results in a very mild climate
which means that tropical plants can thrive. Lost
world  The
gardens of Heligan are truly a modern wonder. Only a few years ago this once grand
Victorian estate lay neglected and unloved, shrouded under a veil of brambles
and ivy.
In its heyday in the late 19th Century Heligan was at its peak,
boasting stunning blooms and bird life. But when the First World War started,
the gardens fell into disrepair. After decades of neglect, the devastating
hurricane of 1990 should have consigned the Lost Gardens of Heligan to a footnote
in history. But the gardens were rediscovered and work began on restoring
them to their former glory by a small group of enthusiasts.
Bird
paradise Thanks to the renovation of the gardens and a few modern
technological additions, Heligan is once again a great place for bird watchers. The
Kingfisher is one of Britain's best loved and most rarely seen birds. KINGFISHERS |
Characterised
by orange underparts and electric blue head and back.
Fish are swallowed
whole. The birds always turn the fish head first before swallowing because that's
the way the scales run down its body.
The
birds are common near rivers and lakes rich in fish.
The
birds are small in size - only about 16-17 cms.
Look
for Kingfishers flying low over water and looking for fish from riverside perches. 听 |
Many
Kingfishers head to the coast during the winter because the salty tidal marshes
and estuaries don't freeze over. This guarantees the birds fishing opportunities,
even in icy weather. But the winters are so mild at Heligan that the birds
can stay throughout the season. It's a great time of year to watch them
as there are fewer tourists around to scare these shy birds.
This dazzling
blue bird spends its winters around Heligan's ponds and can also be seen darting
down the river.
If you know the right spot, and are prepared to sit
and wait, it is possible to see them in flight.
Kingfishers often hunt
from the same favourite perches so ask the ground staff at Heligan to tell you
which places to keep an eye on. If you're lucky, you might even see a Kingfisher
fishing for food, catching a fish and bashing its head against a branch to stun
its prey. Up close and personal  There's
a chance to get really close to nature in the gardens at Heligan, thanks to new
technology.
Eco-watch manages a network of hidden miniature cameras in nest
boxes so visitors can watch the wildlife from a safe distance. Bird watchers
get a real bird's eye view on a series of screens, thanks to dozens of cameras
placed around the grounds. Amongst the other birds to look for are Goldfinches,
the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tits, Great Tits, and Swallows. A special
treat is Heligan's Barn Owl roosting in its box - if you're lucky, you might even
see the owl's chicks during the spring on one of the monitor screens. Why
not take a trip to the hide and watch the Barn Owl take flight whilst it is still
day light, just before sunset. She often does this if hunting has not gone
well the night before, perhaps because it was wet and she is extra hungry. Amphibian
orgy  Heligan
is a great place to watch and listen to toads and frogs.
Visit the ornamental
pond at Heligan during a wet and warm spell in February and you'll have a good
chance of seeing an amphibian orgy! Small mammal lovers are also in for
a real treat at Heligan. The wildlife wardens monitor the mammals around
the estate by trapping them humanely. There's also a chance to get involved
in one of Heligan's mammal ranger walks. Many species of mammal have been
recorded in the gardens including Bank Voles. | 
