Month: October 2022

Eagle eyed fans of television show Married At First Sight may have spotted that Painshill was the location used for the couples to renew their vows.

The bold show is a social experiment where single people, matched by experts, marry total strangers, who they meet for the very first time on their wedding day.

The show airs on Channel 4 and Painshill is featured in Series 7 across a few episodes. The couples renew their vows in footage that showcases many locations across the Painshill landscape including the sparkling Crystal Grotto.

Glorious views, romantic follies and picturesque bridges combine to make the 18^th century landscape gardens at Painshill in Surrey a magical place for couples.

Open daily, the landscape is full of history and beauty. Whether visiting for a first date, an anniversary or a special day trip together, Painshill is infused with romance. Explore enchanting follies like the Ruined Abbey sitting theatrically by the lake side or the Temple of Bacchus high on the hill. Wander through the woodland or stroll around the serene serpentine lake. 

And if you are feeling inspired for your own wedding then you are in luck! The Gothic Temple, used in the series, is fully licensed and couples tie the knot each summer in the stunning location. To find out what Painshill can offer for your nuptials, don’t hesitate to email us on weddings@painshill.co.uk.

Forest Bathing, a technique that was developed in Japan in the 1980s, is fast becoming very popular in the West.

Despite the name, the activity doesn’t involve getting into water! This Japanese activity is about practicing meditation while surrounded by trees. It is a form of relaxation using the simple method of being calm and quiet, observing the plants around you and breathing deeply.

Scientific evidence has shown Forest Bathing can contribute to modern day wellbeing by helping people de-stress. So much evidence suggests that it reduces blood pressure and improves concentration that the Japanese government has incorporated it into the country’s health programme. A chemical released by trees and plants, called phytoncides, was found to boost the immune system.

So how can you get started? Here’s 5 tips to help you unlock the health benefits of Forest Bathing.

1. Leave your devices behind

Turning off your smart phone or leaving behind your camera is an important part of connecting with nature. It feels very alien to those of us who have a phone pretty much glued to the end of our arm but that’s exactly the point. It is vital to have a break from technology and putting your device away will give you the best chance to feel the health benefits.

2. Go slow

In our fast-paced modern life Forest Bathing can be your antidote to the stress that brings. Slow down your walking and take long deep breaths. Take a moment to consciously shake off that feeling that you need to be somewhere quickly or do something productive. Forest Bathing is about taking time away from that to just be in the moment.

3. Take time to notice the forest

Forest Bathing is all about being aware of your surroundings. Use all your senses and remind yourself to smell and touch as well as look. One thing often overlooked is the power of glancing up. Take a moment to notice the height and scale of the trees and you might also spot birds, squirrels and other wildlife.

4. Make time for nature

Like everything, Forest Bathing will not benefit your health and happiness if it is something you only do once. If you find you enjoy Forest Bathing, make time for it in your routine and life. Whatever is happening in your life you deserve to have time to look after yourself.

Painshill membership can offer you a beautiful place, full of trees, to visit regularly to watch the seasons change and find tranquility. However Forest Bathing can be done anywhere you feel comfortable, such as a local park or woodland, or even under a tree in your back garden.

5. Join a Painshill session

If you would like to explore Forest Bathing with someone experienced you can join one of our sessions held in the landscape. Nigel, from Connect with the Forest, can help you through the process of what Forest Bathing involves, explain the science behind it and guide you to connect with the practice. If you would like to have a guide to start you off why not join one of our sessions at Painshill?

Painshill Park Trust is delighted to announce that their latest restoration project, replacing the Woollett Bridge, will go ahead in October.

Painshill’s Trustees, staff and volunteers have been have blown away by the generosity and passion of its supporters and is delighted to thank everyone who contributed to this important project.

The fundraising target has now been met thanks to the generosity of individual supporters and a number of grants totalling over £110,000. Painshill Park Trust is hugely grateful to Elmbridge Borough Council for providing £41,429 as part of the Community Infrastructure Levy enabling the project to proceed.

Painshill was created in the 18^th century as a living work of art and is one of the finest examples of the English Landscape Movement. The bridge is a vital part of the garden and allows people access to one of the most impressive features in the historic park: the magical Crystal Grotto. Without the bridge, visitors cannot progress along the route planned by Charles Hamilton as a walk through a series of stunning views. 

In December 2019 and again in February 2020, the Painshill landscape was flooded and the wooden bridge was under water for a number of weeks. The timber began to rot and the bridge’s stability was compromised. For many months the bridge has been supported by scaffolding to ensure it is safe for visitors.

However, this October, Painshill Park Trust is delighted that bridge will be replaced. To ensure longevity, in a climate where flooding is likely to recur, the new bridge will be made of steel. The modern material was not used in the 18^th century but the Trust is positive that the design will offer the correct aesthetic while ensuring people’s donations are invested in a lasting structure.

The design for the new bridge has been based on an engraving by William Woollett created in 1760.

The bridge is being manufactured by Nusteel Structures Limited in Kent. From there it will be transported to Painshill and floated across the lake into position.

To follow the progress of the work join Painshill Park Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The days may be getting shorter and the temperature has dropped, however nature is about to treat us to a stunning riot of reds, golds and yellows.

In the 18th century Charles Hamilton, the designer of Painshill, would buy trees and shrubs from John Bartram in America. They would arrive in seed boxes that travelled across the Atlantic by ship. Painshill has been left with a legacy of deciduous plants that were awarded plant heritage status in 2006. They give a wonderful display of autumn colour.

Here’s 5 things to enjoy at Painshill in October.

1. Autumn colour

The John Bartram Heritage Collection of American trees and shrubs can be found across Painshill, particularly around the Chinese Bridge which casts a stunning reflection on a still day.

2. Fairy Doors

This autumn the Painshill team have created a fun family Fairy Door trail to spark every child’s imagination. Take a wander and see if you can spot homes of the fairies.

3. Autumn Tree Day

Learn more about the tree collection at Painshill, enjoy live music and watch a wood turning demonstration at our Autumn Tree Day on Sunday 23 October.

4. Mushroom spotting

Across Painshill there is a huge variety of mushrooms in autumn. Head out and see if you can spot fungi of every shape, colour and size.

5. Atmospheric mists

John Keats wrote that autumn was the season of mists and there are many mornings when an atmospheric cloud lays over the lake and around the follies. Head to Painshill at opening time on a misty day to enjoy a different view of the landscape.