Devon Otter Sanctuary

A wonderful place to be able to get close and personal with the animals is the Buckfast Butterflies and Devon Otter Sanctuary. The aim of the sanctuary is to be able to return the animals to the wild after a period of recuperation although some have become permanent residents and seem quite happy with there lot.

Otters being what they are provide great entertainment, but you do have to be prepared for a pretty strong whiff as they are great ones for marking their territory.

For more click here

Painted Lady

The recent hot spell has brought a sudden welcome rush of visitors to the garden. It had seemed that the decline of the butterfly was becoming terminal, but the last few days has seen much interest in our oregano in particular by the Painted Ladies.

More butterflies

Hardwick Hall, Nottinghamshire

We had a very hot but enjoyable day out visiting Hardwick Hall recently. The house, now managed by the National Trust, is one of the finest Elizabethan properties to be seen and reflects the wealth of Bess of Hardwick for whom it was built in the 16th century.

The gardens are largely formal, and there is a restored herb garden which it is well worth making the effort to see.

For more pictures of the visit, click here