Come on a journey through our 370 acres of beautifuland fascinating parkland. Whilst following one of thetrails marked on the map, look out for the seasonalhighlights described on this leaflet.

BEAUTIFUL BUDS!

Take a closer look at the buds of trees on this trail. See if you can spot the charcoal tips of theAsh (Fraxinus excelsior). Along theRiver Ouse stretch of the walk,look out for the sticky buds of the Horse Chestnut(Aesculus hippocastanum); if you notice any cigar-shaped buds you’ve found a lovely Beech tree (Fagussylvatica).

Look out for Redwings, Fieldfares and occasionallyWaxwings. They have come over to Yorkshire for thewinter. They feed on both ornamental and nativehedge berries. By the river you might see aGoosander, a fish-eating duck, or even a flock ofGraylag Geese grazing on the parkland grass.

Did you know that Buzzards are on the increase locally? They are often seen gliding over the parkland.

Other birds of prey to look out for are Barn Owls, Tawny Owls and Little Owls. Both Sparrowhawks and Kestrels breed in the park.

Text and Map: James Miller, Historic and Botanic Garden BursaryScheme. Colour Illustrations: Dawn Robinson-Pethullis Gray Scale Illustrations: National Trust.

CAN YOU SPOT THE ANIMAL TRACKS INTHE SNOW?

Make sure you don’t miss the striking orange twigs ofthe native tree, White Willow (Salix alba), growing onthe banks of the River Ouse. Here are examples ofHare (top) and Fox (bottom) footprints to help youout. See if can work out which animals made the footprints in the snow.

Native evergreens don’t justlook great in Christmaswreaths. Both Holly (Ilexaquifolium) and English Ivy(Hedera helix) provideexcellent shelter and nestingsites for birds. They alsoprovide important foodduring the winter months.Many species of insects alsorely on these two plants.Both of these species provide food for the Holly BlueButterfly. The Holly Blue feeds on Holly flowers inspring and Ivy flowers in the autumn. Why not thinkabout growing them in your own garden to attractbirds and insects? Holly makes an excellent hedge andIvy is an attractive climber.

The new trail was created with the help of Natural England’s Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

Beningbrough Hall

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