The gardens at Hever are a great place to experience the wildlife in Kent and if you have taken a Lake Walk wander recently, then you may have noticed there are some new additions to the grounds, sheep!
The sheep belong to a local farmer and there all sorts of varieties here at Hever – suffolks, zwartbles, mules and texels amongst many others. The farmer who owns the sheep has actually saved many of them, whom would otherwise have been undesirable to other sheep farmers.
As the recent winter has been so wet and mild, the sheep have done an excellent job of keeping the grass in check. It has been too wet to mow, so the sheep’s gentle nibbling has done a world of good for the grass; as a direct result the displays of daffodils and bluebells on 16 acre island are looking more vibrant than ever before.
The sheep on Lake Walk will be moved off of the Estate to allow the wild flowers to flourish over the summer months and will return to mowing services next autumn. You can also spot grass snakes, mandarin ducks and of course our ever popular resident ducks and swans.
At this time, please may we remind dog owners to keep dogs on leads throughout the Estate. 26 sheep were recently killed near Edenbridge by a dog, so the importance to keep dogs controlled cannot be stressed enough. If you would like to find out more about our policy towards dogs, click here.
Explore wildlife in Kent at Hever and see what other animals you can spot on your Lake Walk wander.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.