Leonardslee Provides Solace for Those Touched by Dementia

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex was recently featured on BBC’s The One Show on the 19th of October, highlighting the estate’s benefits for those living with dementia and their caring loved ones.

Presenter Vicky Pattison met with a local couple where one partner is suffering from early onset dementia. As the trio strolled with the couple’s dog through Leonardslee’s sensory-rich woodlands, Vicky spoke with them about their experiences coping with the devastating diagnosis. The couple shared how Leonardslee brings them solace and connection amidst the challenges.

Days spent walking in the gardens’ peaceful surroundings allow them to enjoy the simple gifts of nature, said the husband. Watching the light filter through the trees, hearing birdsong in the air, pausing to smell the flowers - it provides a healing balm.

Scientific research supports Leonardslee's profound effect. Studies show that immersion in nature lowers stress, anxiety and depression while improving mood, cognition and overall mental health. Dementia patients and caregivers alike tell of discovering renewed calm and connection during walks.

Relaxing rests in secluded areas of the gardens and stimulating exhibits in the sculptures on display throughout the 240-acre Grade I Listed garden estate are noted highlights.

The estate’s stunning transformation in recent years makes such revitalising experiences possible. After falling into neglect and closure, Leonardslee underwent extensive renovations and reopened in 2019 under the new ownership of the Streeter family, re-emerging as one of England’s unmissable destinations. 

Flora and Fauna to Enjoy

The restored gardens transport visitors to a world of undulating lawns, vibrant rhododendrons and camellias, and seven interlaced shimmering lakes reflecting the towering trees on the water’s edge. Majestic redwoods and rare “champion” trees rise above some seven kilometres of garden paths and woodland walks.

The ancient woodlands and lakes of Leonardslee provide a haven for endangered wildlife. Rare dragonflies like the brilliant emerald and scarce chaser breed around the estate's lakes. The gardens host breeding populations of threatened birds including spotted flycatchers, yellowhammers, and marsh tits.

White admiral butterflies, whose numbers have rapidly declined, can be seen fluttering through the woodland glades. Leonardslee's inhabitants include a colony of Bennett's wallabies, marsupials from Tasmania introduced in the Victorian era that have remarkably adapted to the English climate.

Since July 2021, visitors can discover inspiration along the estate’s outdoor sculpture trail featuring over 80 figures by acclaimed South African sculptor Anton Smit. Evoking themes of suffering, glory and the human spirit, Smit's monumental heads, female forms and warriors nestle organically within the woodlands and lakes. As Smit says, the melding of art and nature forges great beauty.

In the grounds of the estate, the Beyond the Dollhouse exhibition’s intricate miniature scenes provide further joy to all. Built in 1998 by Helen Holland, this magical world in miniature contains over 200 characters on an Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages at 1:12 scale.

Café and Tearooms

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens offers several charming tearooms for visitors to enjoy light refreshments during their time exploring the estate.

The Clocktower Café located near Leonardslee House serves hot and cold drinks, light lunches, cakes and pastries in a self-service setting. Seasonally, the Engine House Café located by the lakes also provides snacks and sweets in an idyllic woodland setting.

For a special visitor experience, Afternoon Tea can be booked at Leonardslee House where Michelin-starred chefs prepare sandwiches, scones and pastries served with tea in the historic mansion's drawing room overlooking the gardens. The tearooms let visitors recharge while appreciating the natural beauty and history of Leonardslee.

There are opportunities for volunteers to help maintain the expansive 240-acre woodland garden and support its operations. Volunteering activities may include gardening tasks like weeding, planting, and pruning, as well as helping at facilities like the tearooms and gift shop.

Conservation projects such as coppicing trees, clearing invasive plants, and monitoring wildlife are other ways volunteers can contribute. Volunteering provides an opportunity to learn horticulture and gardening skills while supporting the upkeep of this historic estate.

The rewards of volunteering include gaining experience, making new friends, and the satisfaction of protecting a cherished community resource. 

For further information, visit www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk  

Ends

Editors notes

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is a family-owned vineyard estate, near Horsham in West Sussex, which features ‘the finest woodland gardens in England’, Grade I Listed, as well as a Michelin Star restaurant and luxury vineyard accommodation.

The 240-acre estate was established by Sir Edmund Loder, the great Victorian plant collector, and now includes a Sussex Wine vineyard, with the first release of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sparkling wine in 2024.

The estate features outstanding displays all year round. In the spring this includes rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and bluebells. The collection is exceptional in its diversity and maturity, with several rare ‘champion’ trees, threatened in their natural habitat.

The gardens offer a protected ecosystem for rare wildlife such as Emperor Dragonflies and Damselflies, White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak butterflies and migratory and native birds - Kites, Great Tits, Tree Creepers, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers and Nightingales.

The estate reopened in April 2019, following acquisition and two years’ intensive work by entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE to restore the woodland gardens after eight years of closure and neglect under previous ownership. It was the largest garden restoration project in the United Kingdom since Heligan 30 years before.

Since further restoration work in 2021, visitors can also stay in the luxury vineyard hotel after dining at Restaurant Interlude in Leonardslee House, the Grade II Listed Italianate mansion house, to experience the Michelin Star multi-course tasting menu created by chef Jean Delport.

Visitors can view a magical world in miniature at the Beyond the Doll's House exhibition, which depicts the Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages at 1:12 scale. They can then enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the mansion house, making for a great family day out. It is one of the top places to visit in Sussex and is open all year round except Christmas Day.

For great days out, there is an extensive programme of entertainment that includes winter garden illuminations and light trails, wine and beer festivals, photo and art exhibitions, live music events, cooking and gardening demonstrations, arts and crafts fairs, modelling and toy shows, and children’s events and adventure trails.

Vineyards –

Leonardslee Estate: Acquired 2018 - 3.1 Acres - 2018 First vines planted - 4,000 Estimated bottles Experimental planting of Pinotage - 2022 First estate Pinotage

Mannings Estate: Acquired 2017 - 34 Acres - 2017 First vines planted - 70,000 Estimated bottles Sparkling wine cultivars 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier - 2024 First release of wine