Dawn Chorus and Nature Walk 15th May

Experience the magical sights and sounds of Spring at Hole Park in the early morning, and before we open to the public, with an expert nature guide. We are offering two exclusive two-hour guided walks through our ancient woodland and gardens in the company of Kent ornithologist and naturalist Chris Gillard from Wildstarts.

· Dawn Chorus Walk – 6.30am for complimentary tea or coffee at the Coach House Tearoom, with a prompt 6.45am start, concluding at approximately 9am.

· Nature Walk – 9am for complimentary tea or coffee at the Coach House Tearoom, for a 9.30am start, concluding at approximately 11.30am. 

During each walk, Chris will help you to identify the wide variety for birds that inhabit Hole Park’s green spaces, their individual songs and the flora and fauna on which they rely. In addition, on the Nature Walk Chris will be on the lookout for butterflies, bees and amphibians in our ponds.  For the best experience for participants, dogs are not allowed on these walks.

About Chris Gillard

Chris grew up in North Folkestone, exploring the North Downs Way, the White Cliffs of Dover, the beaches below and much of the countryside beyond, in his youth. With a career in horticulture spanning more than three decades, Chris is an active member of the Kent Ornithological Society (KOS), as well as supporting the county's two bird observatories at Dungeness and Sandwich Bay. A keen lister and record-keeper, Chris contributes sightings to the KOS database. 

There are just 10 places on each walk.  Use code WILD26 to join both Tours for £90 per person.

Meadows Week: Monday 29th June - Thursday 2nd July

As summer reaches its peak, we are delighted to invite you to Meadows Week at Hole Park — four days of special activities celebrating wildlife, creativity and our beautiful flowering meadows. 

Monday 29th June: Butterfly Walk with James Duncan of the Sussex Wildlife Trust (£35 per adult)

Join James Duncan of the Sussex Wildlife Trust for a guided Butterfly Walk through our gardens and meadows. This twohour morning walk offers the chance to spot butterflies in their natural habitat while learning how to identify different species and understand their life cycles.

Tuesday 30th June, 10.30am: Bumblebee Safari with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (£17 per person)

Discover the fascinating world of bumblebees with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. This friendly and informative safari around our gardens will help you spot, identify and understand these essential pollinators.

Thursday 2nd July – Dragonfly Walk with James Duncan, Sussex Wildlife

James Duncan returns to lead a guided Dragonfly Walk around the gardens and meadows. This two hour walk focuses on observing and identifying dragonflies and damselflies, with insight into their fascinating relationship with water and wetland habitats.

Daily, Monday 29 June – Thursday 2 July 2-3pm – Hole Park’s renowned gardening team will lead informal session on the practical management and long-term care of meadows. These sessions are free of charge and no booking is required. Simply join us on the day and enjoy expert advice in the heart of the gardens.

For the best experience for participants, dogs are not allowed on these walks.