Plan A Visit
Group Visits
School Visits
Boughton House
The Buccleuch Collection
Previous Exhibitions
House Tours
Montagu Monuments
The Stableyard
Simulated Game Days
Our Sister Estates
The History of the Gardens
Orpheus – the 21st Century Garden
Grand Etang Restoration Project
Through the Seasons
Boughton Estate
Simulated Game Days
Boughton Firewood
Contact
Work For Us
Birdlife in the skies and trees:
Look up and you may spot Red Kites gliding overhead — these striking birds of prey are a conservation success story, and we’re proud to have played a role in supporting their return to Spain. (Find out more about our Red Kite conservation project here: Red Kite Project 2024 || Boughton House)
Also listen for the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers in the trees, and watch for the flitting brilliance of dragonflies on warm days.
Snakes and other ground-dwellers:
In the more secluded areas, particularly around the long grasses and warm banks, you might encounter grass snakes, basking quietly or slipping into cover.
Don’t worry – these are harmless!
Waterways rich in life:
The extensive restoration of Boughton’s historic water systems over the past 25 years has transformed the landscape into a thriving aquatic habitat. Along the banks and waterways, you may be lucky enough to spot:
- Kingfishers, flashing blue as they dive for fish
- Herons and little egrets, standing still and silent
- Swans, mallard ducks, and teal, gliding across the surface
- Frogs, newts, and even otters, taking advantage of the clean, connected water
- Oystercatchers, grey wagtails, and cormorants, each drawn to different features of the environment
- Native fish species and, occasionally, non-native crayfish — and very rarely, sightings of non-native mink
- Wildflowers and reeds that provide cover and nesting spaces for countless species
Supporting nature through thoughtful design:
The recently completed fish passage has reconnected the natural river system through the Star Pond and back into the canal network, allowing fish and aquatic life to move freely. This effort is part of a wider project to restore natural water flow, support biodiversity, and mitigate flood risk through extensive natural flood management work. These developments are helping to create and sustain rich habitats across the estate.
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