Exbury Gardens in the New Forest opens early in March with its Camellia Walks, Heather Garden, Daffodil Meadow and early rhododendrons in full bloom, bulbs in flower, rare trees on show and recently planted new features reaching maturity.
The world-famous 200-acre woodland garden on the banks of the Beaulieu River is renowned for its award-winning rhododendrons and azaleas, collected and bred by the Gardens’ owners, the Rothschild family, over nearly nine decades.
Exbury holds a stupendous collection of trees. Many of these were brought back by pioneering planthunters in the early years of the 20th century, while Exbury’s head gardener, tree expert John Anderson, is carrying on the tradition of planting unusual specimens, making the sheltered Garden a haven for many rare species from around the world.  
“It is only right that we add to this collection to keep Exbury high on the list of the world’s top woodland gardens,” said John, who is looking forward to seeing the further development of the Hydrangea Walk and recently planted “Jurassic Boardwalk” this year. This follows on from the recent opening of the New Camellia Walk and a Maple Walk. John will also be leading a series of seasonal strolls through the Gardens, including popular New Forest Breakfast Walks and a recently devised “scratch and sniff” walk, so that visitors can enjoy the unusual trees and especially those that are strongly scented.
Railway enthusiasts will enjoy the arrival of a new engine for the hugely popular garden railway which carried record passenger numbers in 2007.
Exbury, opening after its short winter break, is at the height of its early summer beauty in May, when the famous rhododendrons and azaleas put on an unrivalled show of colour in the celebrated ‘azalea bowl’ and 20 miles of ‘technicolor pathways’. But with the railway, new herbaceous plantings, the unrivalled collections of trees and shrubs, a changing programme of exhibitions in the Five Arrows Gallery and its famed autumn colour, the award-winning Gardens on the banks of the Beaulieu River, are an all-seasons attraction.

Visit www.exbury.co.uk for more information

 TV Presenter and Wildlife Champion, Chris Packham took to the ice today (Saturday 1 December) at Marwell Zoological Park as he officially opened the Park’s festive ‘Magical Winter’ event.
 
Chris was joined on the Park’s first ever ice rink by children dressed in animal costumes as well as the British Ice Skating Champions showing off their impressive dance skills.
 
Marwell’s Magical Winter experience starts as soon as visitors arrive at the Park. After travelling through the Park’s extensive grounds in spectacular style aboard the Snowflake Express, visitors disembark at the ice rink located in the centre of the Zoological Park. Children can also meet Santa in his Grotto for special stories and lots of surprises and then make presents to take home with Mrs Claus in her Christmas Kitchen.
 
Activities to celebrate the opening included performances from the British Novice Ice Dance Champions 2007. The duo showed off their award winning skills and the British Synchronized Ice Skating Champions team 'Storm' wowed spectators with their impressive dance moves. Children added a touch of fun to the opening with their wildlife inspired routines.
 
Chris Packham was delighted to be involved: “Marwell has always held a special place in my heart and it is a tremendous pleasure to be here to open Magical Winter. By coming along everyone can help Marwell to achieve its conservation goals.”
 
Marwell’s Chief Executive, James Cretney, added: “Families looking for an extra special day out will not be disappointed. From spotting animals whilst on the journey aboard the Snowflake Express to skating under the stars and meeting Santa, there’s loads of fun for all the family. At just £5* for children the activities are great value for money.”
 
Marwell’s Magical Winter is open everyday up to Sunday 13th January (excluding Christmas day). Santa returns to Lapland on Christmas Day and from Boxing Day onwards join the Ugly Sisters and a host of other characters for stories, madness and mayhem in The Cinderella Experience
 
Entry to Marwell Zoological Park is required so why not make a day of it and see the animals too? Spot the Amur leopards with their beautiful fur and long thick tails. Watch the Penguins splashing by the pool or see a Red Panda relaxing in the trees. Marwell is also offering special 'after dark’ tickets for evening admission (from 4.00pm) when the main zoo is closed.
 
For prices and to book online visit: www.magicalwinter.co.uk or call 08714 720 419
 
* Entry to Marwell Zoological Park is also required.

Christmas Skaters at Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoological Park is delighted to announce the recent birth of two rare female Somali Wild Asses. ‘Nadifa’ (Somali for ‘in-between seasons’) was born on 6th September and ‘Jahzara’ (Ethiopian for Blessed Princess) was born on 25th September.

The Somali Wild Ass is critically endangered and with just a few hundred left in the wild the species faces an uncertain future. It is generally believed that less than 300 now remain in their native territory in north-east Africa and none now live in Somalia, the country that they are named after.
 
Born as part of a breeding programme to increase the world-wide population, the addition of two females bringing Marwell’s herd to seven is extremely important, as Head Keeper for the Somali Wild Asses Simon Hawker explains: “Due to recent droughts and political turmoil it is very difficult to asses the current wild populations. With this uncertainty it is vital that we increase the number of Somali Wild Asses born in captivity to help safeguard their future.”     
 
The Somali Wild Ass is one of three subspecies of the African Wild Ass, one of which has already become extinct. The Somali’s main threats include: habitat destruction, poaching and hunting, competing with livestock for forage, and the threat of genetic dilution as a consequence of the Asses breeding with domestic donkeys.
 
Marwell Zoological Park has been extremely successful in breeding Somali Wild Asses, with ten foals born at the Park over 11 years. Nadifa and Jahzara can now be seen with their mums, Possa and Tikva, in their paddock.
 
Marwell Zoological Park is open daily from 10am. It is now easier than ever to buy tickets – simply log onto www.marwell.org.uk