Celebrate autumn in Sussex
Autumn at Wakehurst Place
The South Downs National Park will reach a stunning autumnal climax this weekend, says expert ranger Nick Heasman, and the easiest way to enjoy it is to leave the car at home. New research shows that many people in Brighton would appreciate their visit more without a car, enabling them to focus on the views rather than the road (40%), avoid parking worries (48%) and skip traffic jams (49%). Half of all adults in Brighton (48%) said that enjoying a guilt free boozy reward after a long day out was actually their favourite part.
This Friday 18 October there are even more reasons to visit the SDNP by public transport, with a ‘Hikers and Bikers’ luxury rest stop at Hassocks train station in the heart of the park, where tired walkers and cyclists will be rewarded with free sports massages, comfy chairs, free refreshments and a boot cleaning service. There will also be discounts in pubs, cafes and attractions [see list at end].
For the 52% locals who said that the main reason for using the car was not knowing public transport routes, a range of guides have been produced. Each of the 14 leaflets details great walks and cycle rides which start and finish at a bus stops or train stations and are available at www.southdowns.gov.uk/discover.
Phillippa Morrison-Price, South Downs National Park ranger, said: “Due to a warm summer and temperate September, this weekend looks likely to be the perfect time to see the South Downs in its full autumnal glory. For the best seasonal experience head for Hassocks where you can see the colours change over the weald, or cycle through ancient woodland at Butchers Wood.
For a really relaxing day I’d highly recommend ditching the car, leaving you to appreciate the stunning views from the train or bus, forget parking woes and even finish your afternoon with a real ale or chilled glass of wine. If you visit Hassocks this Friday you’ll even enjoy luxury treats as you wait for your ride home!”
Nick Stewart from the South Downs National Park Authority said:
“For the one in three (32%) people in Brighton who cite autumn as their favourite season to explore the National Park, it’s a no brainer to leave the car at home, but many don’t know which routes are available. That’s why we have produced these easy guides, which let people know about great walks and cycles from a bus stop or station near them.”
Meanwhile, a spectacular display of autumn colour is also appearing at Wakehurst Place, the Sussex country estate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, following this year’s hot summer – with North American birches and maples opening the show and Japanese maples resplendent in golds and reds.
The combination of a long, dry summer, followed by cooler temperatures in September, means colours should be particularly intense this year around the 500 acre Wakehurst estate at Ardingly, near Haywards Heath. (Library image attached showing previous autumn colours, plus detail from a birch tree, credit Jim Holden RBG Kew)
Leaves are turning, bringing with them the sights and scents of autumn. One tree already attracting comments from visitors is the Cercidiphyllum japonicum, known as the Candy Floss tree, because of its pink tints and distinctive smell of burnt sugar
Guided walks are held daily at 11.30am and 2pm (subject to the availability of a guide) or visitors can simply stroll around the gardens and woodlands to enjoy nature’s dazzling displays.
In addition a programme of special Walks to Celebrate Autumn is being held on Sundays October 20 and 27, with a variety of walks of different lengths throughout the day. A local produce market is also being held on Saturday October 19. See details below of walks and market.
Some of the early autumn colours are the yellows and golds of Wakehurst’s internationally renowned collection of birch trees. Wakehurst holds the National Collection of birches, with more than 800 trees and 57 different species of birch from across the northern hemisphere, from North America, Europe and Asia. National Collection status is awarded by the Plant Heritage organisation and recognises Wakehurst’s collection of birches as being the most comprehensive of its kind in the UK.
For scientists the collection is, in effect, a living gene bank of growing specimens which is important for conservation and research. For visitors the birches in Bethlehem Wood are popular because of the vibrant show of colour they provide at this time of year, heralding the start of autumn glories around the Wakehurst estate.
Wakehurst’s autumn colours are expected to be at their best from now to early November. Highlights will include red-leafed American maples in Horsebridge Wood, Japanese maples around the Mansion pond, and amber sweetgums.
Andy Jackson, Head of Wakehurst Place, said: “The hot, dry summer, and cooler weather in September should mean we get a spectacular autumn display with some really intense colour.
“The range and intensity of autumn colours is greatly influenced by the weather and the brightest autumn colours are produced when dry, sunny days are followed by cool, dry nights.
“Bright sunshine and lower temperatures destroy the green chlorophyll and if the temperatures stay above freezing the red pigments are promoted. Dry weather, by increasing sugar concentration in sap also increases the red pigments.”
He added: “A particular autumn favourite of mine are the golds and bright yellows of the National Collection of birches – it is a chance to see wonderful colour and a range of species from around the world all in one place. Wandering among the birches in the woodlands here at Wakehurst is really the perfect place to savour autumn.”
Walks to Celebrate Autumn – October 20 and 27
11.30am 1 hour
12.15pm 45 minutes on flat terrain
1pm 1 ½ hours
1.30pm 2 hrs
2pm 1 ½ hrs
2.30pm 45 minutes on flat terrain
3pm 1 hr
Walks are free for garden visitors, no booking required.
Wakehurst Place local produce market – Saturday October 19
11am to 4pm in the mansion, locally grown produce and handmade food, plus local crafts.
(Garden admission prices apply)
