Experience winter wonder at Wakehurst

The change of seasons is on the horizon, and Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, invites visitors to witness the gardens transforming from winter to spring, experiencing the restorative power of green spaces. Across its sweeping landscapes, from fragrant evergreen woodlands to the vibrant ornamental Winter Garden, a seasonal stroll offers a chance to lift spirits, recharge, and reconnect with the natural world. 

Wakehurst’s Nature Unlocked programme has transformed the landscape into a living laboratory, with the Nature Connectedness research strand investigating how biodiversity supports both our mental and physical wellbeing. Across all four seasons, studies with schoolchildren and adults alike have revealed how different habitats and sensory experiences shape our emotional responses to the natural world. Research has included wellbeing walks in different habitats and studies that encourage participants to take photos of what they notice in nature. This work has since been embedded into the education and public engagement programmes at Wakehurst, allowing the teams to share their learning more widely. 

Julie Whelan, Nature Connectedness Research Lead commented: “We’re really putting our connection with nature under the microscope – exploring how people react to the different colours, textures, sounds and smells in nature, and which best facilitate a deeper connection with the natural world and those positive impacts on our wellbeing. By pairing these scientific insights with Wakehurst’s horticultural beauty, we are beginning to understand how biodiverse landscapes deepen our connection to nature and strengthen our commitment to protecting it for future generations.” 

A winter spectacle 

Nestled behind the Grade I listed Mansion, Wakehurst’s Winter Garden provides a vibrant sensory escape, bringing together an enchanting ensemble of texture and colour. All-weather paths weave through the ornamental design, leading visitors to something new around every corner, revealing a tapestry of colour and texture even in the colder months. Mature Himalayan silver birch trees (Betula utilis var. Jacquemontianii) rise above a layered display of bold red dogwood (Cornus) and ‘Karl Foerster’ grasses (Calamagrostis). Alive with colour, sound and smell, this accessible sanctuary in the gardens forms the ideal spot to connect with your senses and nature. As the months change, so does the Winer Garden’s ground display, as delicate white snowdrops make way for pastel-coloured cyclamen across the beds. The wider landscape heralds the start of early spring, with the first bulbs emerging, and buds soon bursting to put on a colourful display of magnolia and rhododendron. 

New year, new views 

As trees from around the world drop their leaves, Wakehurst’s extraordinary winter character appears, with views revealing the Sussex High Weald and beyond. Across the Wakehurst landscape, thoughtfully positioned benches offer picture-perfect viewpoints to take in all 535 acres. From nestled corners in the Pinetum to expansive views across the Loder Valley Nature Reserve, Wakehurst’s benches offer a space to watch the transformation between seasons. 

Winter wildlife 

Wildlife abounds in the Loder Valley, open year-round for visitors wanting a wilder adventure. A 1.3km pathway weaves through ancient woodland, with hides along the river offering a peek at the creatures that call this historic habitat home. Trees such as birch and alder supply seeds for flocks of goldfinches, siskins, crossbills, and redpolls, often heard before they’re seen as they hop from tree to tree. Sunny winter days are the ideal time to spot goshawks, once on the brink of extinction, in their mesmerising ‘sky dance’ display. Over winter, Wakehurst welcomes a friendly flock of light-footed Hebridean sheep, as well as families of Riggit Galloway cattle. On their seasonal holiday from the Ashdown Forest, these four-legged visitors help to manage ecosystems by treading in seed, whilst enjoying the tasty, herb-rich grass. Visitors can look out for the cows and sheep across the landscape into late winter. Young explorers can enjoy a Shaun the Sheep Augmented Reality trail: Fun with the Flock over the February half-term, where families will be tasked with helping Bitzer the dog complete his daily checklist. Combining interactive AR, and on-site ‘hide and sheep’ elements bringing Shaun’s Flock to life, it’s one ewe won’t want to miss. 

To explore what Wakehurst has on offer this winter, visit: kew.org/wakehurst

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Download high-res imagery and b-roll here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lHQfuDvHbSKe9liFP00TuPv9TPYFNt2e?usp=sharing  

For more information and interview requests, contact Jess Kohler on j.kohler2@kew.org or wakehurstpr@kew.org.

Notes to Editors   

Garden Entry  
Kew and Wakehurst Members: Free, Adult: £18.50, Young person (17-25 years): £9.25, Children (0-16 years): Free, National Trust members: Free (parking charge applies)   
Reduced ticket price for entry after 3.30pm   
£1 ticket for recipients of Universal or Pension Credit  
Open 10am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)  

Shaun the Sheep AR Trail

14 February to 1 March
10am until gardens close (last trail entry 3.30pm)
Suitable for ages 3+
Included with entry
Fun with the Flock app: Free to download and use
Add on: Fun with the Flock Nature Heroes activity leaflet and badge: Members £5 / Non-members £7