The Four Seasons at Shepherds Retreat

March see’s the explosion of blossom from the Blackthorn and Hawthorn hedgerow,

producing the sweetest of smells on a dewy morning. 

Wild cherry tree blossom follows, providing the first flush of colour after the winter rest.

Crickets and caterpillars comfortably nestle in the longer grass and hedgerow areas,

resulting in an ever-growing variety of butterflies. 

From mid-May to late August the 2-acre wildflower meadow buzzes with the sound of insects and bees who busily collect pollen from wild clover, wild lupins, bugalas viper, birds foot trefoil, vetch, oxeye daisies, cornflower and poppies.

Autumn offers spectacular views of the changing season with the trees moving from vibrant green to rich colours of amber

and copper before their leaves turn brown and flutter to the ground, creating a cosy bed for wildlife to nestle into.

The crisp winter mornings and fabulous frosts provide a perfect setting to wrap up and step out into nature, 

either on the site or by visiting the local nature reserve of Snipe Dales or Gibraltar Point, just a few miles away. 

With glowing cheeks, returning to the comfort of your hut and your wood burning stove to prepare a hot meal in your well-equipped kitchen before settling down in one of the comfortable fireside chairs.