On the Ground: 2026

January in the garden is often a quieter month. Much of our time has been spent behind the scenes, cleaning and re-treating the teak furniture that will return to the terraces in early spring.

But while the borders may appear still, the garden itself has been full of life.

This month, our gardener Trevor organised Langdale Chase’s participation in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, turning a national wildlife survey into something guests could enjoy during their stay. An interpretation board was installed in the garden to invite participation, extra feeders were added to increase activity, and the team created an illustrated leaflet introducing some of the birds commonly seen around the grounds.

The mix of mature trees, evergreen structure and open planting provides valuable habitat at this time of year, and sightings included siskins and even a passing sparrowhawk – a reminder that healthy gardens support whole ecosystems.

As we move towards spring, the furniture will return outdoors, and the garden will begin to shift again. But January has been a reminder that there is always something to see, even in the quietest months.

– Claire