An article on our beautiful grounds written by Burrswood volunteer, Anna Fox

Surrounded by woods and fields, the ten or so acres of cultivated garden is on a south facing slope. Looking at it now it is hard to believe that after the war, when Dorothy Kerin bought it as a place of healing, it was a “lost” garden due to the fact that the estate had been requisitioned by the army. Some of the mature trees from the original planting in the 1830s – 40s remain, bringing shape and structure to the present colourful garden.

As the needs of patients, guests and visitors are recognised, changes are made, but always with the views and the general peaceful atmosphere in mind. Seating is placed in appropriate places for quiet contemplation, to be alone with one’s thoughts, or simply to enjoy the colour co-ordinated flower beds.

One is conscious of birdsong much of the time, a sure sign of peace and safety as both native and migratory birds make it their home. Wild flowers abound in the less formal parts of the gardens, and in season it is a delight to come across several varieties of orchid, carpets of bluebells in the wooded parts, not to mention drifts of daffodils everywhere and patches of fritillaries that were planted forty years ago, in addition to primroses and masses of snowdrops.

The clay soil gives rise to many springs which feed five ponds; most are fully accessible for walking around and one is also a haven for great crested newts. Provision is made for prayer walks. As part of this, three prayer huts are placed off the beaten tracks, and suggestions for contemplation may be found at St Francis pond. On the lower lawn is a large paved cross set into grass; originally it was a rose cross but the local herd of deer enjoyed the roses too, so it never looked as it was intended.

The gardens are open for seven days a week for most days of the year. Car  parking is available, and dogs on leads are welcome. Refreshments are available at Bocky’s Tea Room.