Have you ever had the chance to roam through fields of wildflowers? It’s the stuff of romantic novels and Hollywood movies isn’t it, and certainly not something I expected to be able to do locally – but that’s exactly what we spent an afternoon doing at Naturescape wildlflower farm in Langar, Nottinghamshire.
Naturescape is a 90 acre wildflower farm, producing native species of wildflowers and grasses primarily for the wholesale wildflower industry. Not many wildflower farms are open to the public, but at Naturescape you can wander amongst the fields and experience the interaction between native wildflowers and local wildlife.
You really are in the middle of nature here, it’s a wonderful place for children as they can run free, explore and discover at their own pace.
In addition to the fields the site also has a wetland meadow, planted with native moisture-loving plants and featuring a large pond and picnic area where you can sit and watch the dragonflies. This is a great place for children as there’s lots of wildlife to discover – as well as the dragonflies there are frogs, toads, newts and pond insects to spot.
Beyond the wetland meadow there’s an area of woodland to explore – the kids absolutely loved it in here, it’s very atmospheric and there are lots of little paths to wander down.
After our wild walk we discovered the little tearoom and shop, where you can buy all manner of wildflower seeds as well as cottage garden plants and herbs; I tried very hard not to get carried away! Next to the shop there’s a beautiful garden which is an education in itself; native wild flowers are growing alongside herbs and cottage garden plants, creating a beautiful informal effect. There’s also a variety of habitats here, with a pond, drystone walling and a woodland area: so much inspiration on how to incorporate native wildflowers into your own garden.
I didn’t really know what to expect before we visited Naturescape – now that we’ve been I can honestly say I’ve never visited anywhere else that has made me feel so immersed in nature. To be able to wander at will through fields of wildflowers and grasses, sit quietly in a shady glade, and peek through dense trees at the native wildlife was absolutely magical. It’s so quiet – all you can hear is the wind moving through the flowers and grasses – and due to it’s size it feels like you have the place all to yourself. It’s a place where children automatically let their imaginations run free; our two were completely absorbed from the minute we arrived which was wonderful to witness. We’ll definitely be visiting again.
Naturescape is open 11am-5:30pm daily from April to September and admission is free. For more information take a look at their website, which also has lots of advice on gardening with wildflowers and creating a wildlife habitat.
Joining in with Annie’s ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’ series at Mammasaurus.
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