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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.

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.

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