Sunday 24 October: SWISS GARDENS SHUTTLEWORTH, OLD WARDEN, BEDS
Joint meeting with Beds Natural History Society and a limited number of members of the public. This has proved an interesting and productive site in past years. A particularly exciting find a few years ago was the very rare Sandy Stiltball (Battarrea phalloides). The site is a charming early 19th century landscape garden, with plants from all over the world, ponds, bridges, rose arbors, miniature buildings, a grotto and fernery, and a tiny, thatched Swiss Cottage. The adjoining woodland and lakeside picnic area are also accessible to us.
Meet in the Shuttleworth Collection main car park (SG18 9EP, Grid ref: TL150448). The normal entrance charge is being waived for those attending this meeting; pre-booking with Alan is required by 18 October (alanouten@virginmedia.com). Also you need to be punctual in order to enter the site from the car park as a member of the group. There is a restaurant, bar, tea-room and toilet facilities are available and as there is plenty here to occupy people for the day, you may wish to bring lunch or purchase refreshments there.
Leader: Alan Outen