On Sunday I went to visit Chestnut Lodge in Cobham, Surrey, which was open under the National Garden Scheme (NGS). The description in the Yellow Book sounded quite intriguing…a 5-acre garden surrounding a late Georgian house with formal areas near the house, specimen trees, wisteria and rare exotic plants as well as a naturalised pond and an aviary walk with a fine collection of tropical birds.
To be honest, the garden wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I’m sure there aren’t many houses in Surrey that can boast 4 species of flamingo in their garden pond…
The main points of interest were the animals and birds, from meerkats to tropical birds, it was more like visiting a menagerie really! The star of the animal show for me were the giant tortoises – doesn’t he look comfy sunning himself….
Apparently, it was here at Chestnut Lodge that the first successful breeding of giant tortoises took place. There was a peacock too whose feathers were beautiful when they caught the sunlight…
The garden itself had a woodland feel about it, a large expanse of lawn with rhododendrons, other large shrubs and specimen trees…
It didn’t come close to Vann Garden for me, but if you have a special interest in rare birds you’ll love it at Chestnut Lodge – certainly not something you’d expect to see in someone’s back garden that’s for sure. Unfortunately, they don’t allow children under 15 in the garden – a real shame I think!
Welcome
Websites by Flourish, Guildford, Surrey
Unfortunately the owner of this wonderful collection, Raymond Sawyer has recently died aged 87. He was a remarkable man who had many “first breedings” of tropical birds to his credit. I hope the wonderful giant Tortoise and all the other birds and animals will be well taken care of.
That’s very sad to hear – as you say, let’s hope they are taken care of going forward.
I have just come across this page and thought you may like to know that all the animals have been relocated at colchester zoo, it was a long standing arrangement that they should go there, in the event of rays death
Thanks for letting me know Paula!