David Attenborough at 100: A Timeless Reminder to Observe the Nature Around Us
Nestled within the beautiful grounds of Audley End Enchanted Railway, spring is a very exciting time of year. As the woodland awakens, every journey shows the continuous signs of new life.
David Attenborough highlighting the wonder of nature to us all
This year feels even more significant as David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday. His passion for the natural world has inspired generations to stop, look closer and appreciate the wildlife around us, something we are incredibly lucky to experience every day here at the railway.
All Creatures Great and Small
The forest is buzzing with wildlife at this time of year. From tiny ducklings who paddle behind their mothers on the water and fluffy goslings who waddle through the grass, they bring such delight to our team and visitors alike. We see so many feathered visitors, including garden warblers, long-tailed tits, herons, egrets, king fishers, wagtails, swans, moor hens, chaffinches and many more. It is a season of discovery, and there is often something to spot from the train or along the woodland paths.
It is not unusual to spot a pheasant wandering the site, a muntjac deer quietly darting between the trees, or peacocks proudly displaying their feathers. If you are particularly lucky, you may even catch sight of a group of leucistic pheasants lingering around the track. These striking white pheasants lack melanin due to a rare chromosomal mutation, making them an unusual and memorable sight amongst the woodland colours.
Recently, we were reminded just how important it is to care for the wildlife around us when we discovered an injured bird of prey within the grounds. A local volunteer, Jo Newsom from Raptor Rescue kindly came to help after we found the falcon frightened and unable to fly. She carefully took him to South Essex Wildlife Hospital to recover. After receiving some donor feathers, and regaining his strength, several weeks later, she returned to the railway so he could be released back into the wild once again.
Of course, the magic of nature is not only found in the larger creatures. For bug hunters and curious explorers, the woodland floor is full of fascinating creepy crawlies too. You might see bees, butterflies drift through the woodland, and if you look carefully you may spot worms, dragonflies, spiders, ladybirds, wasps and countless other tiny creatures thriving in the habitat around us.
Our Beautiful Setting
The landscape itself is what has drawn so much wildlife to this special place. Designed by one of the most famous landscape gardeners of the 18th century, Capability Brown. The ancient woodland surrounding the railway provides the perfect home for many wonderful animals and insects. Towering trees shade visitors, including oaks, beeches, ash, horse chestnuts, silver birches, elm, poplar and maples, all contribute to the rich and varied woodland environment that makes the railway feel so enchanting.
Finding calm in our natural setting
We know our visitors come to Audley End Enchanted Railway to play, explore and enjoy a magical family day out, but we are certain the natural surroundings are a huge part of what makes the experience so memorable. There is something undeniably calming and uplifting about spending time outside in a beautiful natural setting. The woodland invites people to slow down, or let off steam, breathe deeply and reconnect with the world around them.
Thank you David Attenborough
The benefits of the natural world on our mental health and wellbeing are something we are all becoming increasingly aware of and few people have helped us appreciate that more than David Attenborough. As we celebrate his extraordinary centenary, we are taking a moment to truly appreciate the incredible environment we are pleased to welcome you too.
