Beneath the water’s surface
The River Test is internationally renowned as one of the finest trout fishing rivers in the world, however, the Test’s abundant Trout and Grayling are absent from the water garden’s waterways. Instead you may see Perch, identifiable by their red tipped fins; Carp, there are four kinds, including Japanese Koi that are often in the shallows, basking under the sun. Also, Eels and Pike lurk beneath the surface, along with snails, water boatmen, caddisfly and mayfly larvae. On the surface of the water look out for pond skaters.
Birds
You may be lucky enough to see Buzzards in the skies above the garden and also, identified by their distinctive forked tails, Red Kites. There’s a variety of birds in the garden, some make their home here such as Finches, Tits and Larks and all three species of native Woodpecker. In addition migratory birds such as Swifts and Swallows visit the garden every summer putting on a mesmerising acrobatic display! Listen carefully and you may hear the cry of the Cuckoo echoing through the garden or spot one of the three duck species that visit the garden; Mallard, Mandarin and Tufted ducks. It may even be possible to catch a glimpse of a Kingfisher or Heron in the garden - if you’re lucky!
Insect Life
In spring there is a variety of butterflies that populate the water garden, from bright yellow Brimstones, colourful Peacocks, majestic Red Admirals and chalk
downland species such as the Marbled White. In early summer delicate Damsel Flies and magnificent iridescent Dragonflies hatch throughout the water garden. The team has brought their own insect life to the garden too. A bee hive has been established to nurture the Water Garden’s bee population and protect this important pollinator.
