More about the Secret Garden

In January 2016, we opened the gates to a parcel of land with a chequered history. Three lakes with gravel banks had recently been landscaped to smooth the scars of 15 years of quarrying for gravel. Some 3000 saplings had been planted but were nothing more than plastic propagation tubes emerging from unkept grassland. At the centre was two acres of ancient woodland, a plantation that had been planted in history and had been left to the vagaries of untamed nature. It took months of careful bramble removal to reveal lost rubbish from the lands industrial past and to reveal the ancient fauna dormant underneath it. Today, the ancient wood is a blend of wildlife habitats with bluebells in May, an area of nettles for the growing population of butterflies, and clear glades to allow an array of flora to emerge. Small woodpiles provide the perfect habitat for the growing wildlife and cover for the timid herd of fallow deer that are resident.

Although we knew there was an old hut on the edge of the wood, it was not until the bramble was cleared away that this crumbling brick and concrete structure started to reveal a more interesting past. With only a little investigation, we learnt that the site was part of RAF Ibsley, one of the collection of New Forest airfields essential in the culmination of World War Two. On one outside corner of the hut, there remains today, the faint stencil outline of a sign ‘Air Ministry’. Today, the hut, restored and dry, serves as a useful cabin to serve the wedding day or even provide an overnight stay.

Ten years on, with much planting, learning and working with nature and with the help of ecologists, we have brought this once barren landscape back to life. Wild flowers now blossom on the banks and in the meadows, willow creates a wild border to the lakes and occasional features, such as decking on the south of Swan island and the board walk into the reeds in the North Lake serve to create a feeling of escape in tranquillity and nature.

Our wish is to share this secret space with special people in a controlled and respectful environment. To preserve the low impact we have on the land and its natural inhabitants, we are only inviting a limited number of weddings each year; we hope yours will be one of those.

Matt & Claire 2025