West Dean Estate

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West Dean Estate

A 6,200 acre working estate in the South Downs National Park.

15/05/2026

Stepping into Spring, by West Dean Ranger Maddy Crews

In this latest Ranger update, the landscape is beginning to shift, woodland floors are waking, wildlife is becoming more visible again, and the first signs of the season are returning across the gardens, parkland and wider estate. From early growth in the grasslands to birds beginning to establish territories, there’s a sense of renewal everywhere you look.

A reminder that even the smallest seasonal changes tell a bigger story about the health and rhythm of the land at West Dean.

Read more! 🔗
https://www.westdean.ac.uk/gardens-blog/stepping-into-spring

05/05/2026

Between 2024 and 2025, we have transformed 11.2 hectares of the West Dean Estate into a thriving new woodland habitat. By choosing native species—from Beech and Wild Cherry to Silver Birch and Scots Pine—we are ensuring these woods:

🌿 Reflect the unique natural character of the South Downs.
🐾 Support a vast and diverse range of local wildlife.
🛡️ Create resilient habitats that can withstand a changing climate.
💧 Improve soil structure and reduce water runoff.

01/05/2026

Day 1 of ROSA Botanical Art Fair! Join us this bank holiday for a festival of flora in art and design🌸

Explore a series of exhibitions and installations throughout West Dean’s historic rooms, work by the Society of Botanical Artists in the Estate Boardroom and a curated art and design fair on the front lawn.

Festivities at this new event include a sculpture garden, performances, talks, tours, and a vintage tea marquee!

There are still tickets available on our website 🔗
https://www.westdean.ac.uk/events/rosa-botanical-art-fair

27/04/2026

Joining us at the ROSA Botanical Art Fair? 🌸

Our onsite restaurant, the Gardens Kitchen, will be open following refurbishment. Pop in for a botanical-themed cream tea after exploring the wonderful art and enjoying a walk around the gardens.

Learn more 🔗
https://www.westdean.ac.uk/gardens/events/rosa-botanical-art-fair

22/04/2026

World Earth Day 🌍

West Dean’s natural heritage setting has long been a place of inspiration for many. As custodians of this special estate, we have a responsibility to ensure it can flourish for generations to come.

Sustainability and caring for the landscape are at the heart of everything we do. Over the last three years, we have planted more than 62,000 trees, creating and enhancing over 59 acres of woodland across the estate.

Every tree planted is an investment in the future, supporting biodiversity, strengthening habitats, and helping our landscape thrive long into the future.

04/04/2026

We are thrilled to share the results of our most extensive surveying year yet. Throughout 2025, over 150 hours were dedicated to monitoring the health of our landscape, resulting in over 60 individual surveys that contribute to vital national research. Working alongside our incredible partners and volunteers, we’ve recorded:
🦅 78 bird species
🐝 75 insect species
🦋 20 butterfly species
🦊 16 mammal species
🦇 15 of the UK’s 18 bat species
🐍 4 reptile species

These findings strengthen our knowledge and ensure we continue to manage the Estate with nature at its heart. A huge thank you to all the partner organisations who helped make this possible.

03/04/2026

Join us this Easter for a springtime treat🌸

Our Shepherd’s Hut will be serving up delicious food to enjoy al fresco, with lawn games ready for the whole family to enjoy into this half term.

Little adventurers can explore our historic gardens along the Blossom Trail, discovering the magic of spring with two nature-inspired trails ✨

28 March-12 April 2026 | 9am–5pm
📍 West Dean Gardens

https://www.westdean.ac.uk/gardens/events/easter-trail

12/03/2026

Magnolia season at West Dean Gardens. 🌸 Have you seen this magnificent tree in person yet? It’s the perfect backdrop for a Mother’s Day stroll this weekend.

10/03/2026

We’re excited to announce that the Gardens Gatehouse is now officially open! ⭐️

Our brand-new Gardens entrance opened today, welcoming visitors into a space that brings together our craft shop, retail area and plant nursery. You’ll also find an exciting new programme of creative taster sessions designed to offer a glimpse into the short courses West Dean is known for.

Inside, you can explore a wider range of gifts, craft supplies and West Dean favourites, including our chutneys and apple juice made using produce from the gardens. Outside, our plant nursery offers a selection of plants inspired by the gardens.

After months of hard work, a huge congratulations to everyone involved in bringing the Gardens Gatehouse to life ✨️ We can’t wait to welcome you in!

08/03/2026

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating a remarkable woman from West Dean’s history ✨

Caroline Vernon-Harcourt wasn’t only the last of the Peachey family to own the estate, she was also one of the first English translators of Hans Christian Andersen, helping introduce his fairy tales to Victorian Britain.

A landowner, author and literary pioneer at a time when few women held public creative careers, her story has only recently come back into the spotlight.

Discover how her legacy still echoes through West Dean today, from our creative writing courses to our Gardens.
🔗 Read more:
https://www.westdean.ac.uk/blog/iwd-caroline-peachey

Address

West Dean
Chichester
PO180QZ

Website

https://www.westdean.ac.uk/estate

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