Groombridge Land: Great Land near Groombridge Place

Set on the hillside overlooking Groombridge Place, the Groombridge Land's many features are designed to intrigue, amuse and entertain peopls. There are exciting playgrounds, stunning views, unusual animals, fun activities, quiet seats, beautiful flowers, huge swings, strange plants and shy deer in the Groombridge Land gardens. Amongst the animals you may see are the zeedonk, a zebra-donkey cross, one of only two in Britain. He and a donkey share a field near the Chime Walk. In the Grom's Village there are giant rabbits. As adults they grow to 60 cms in height. Roaming around the forest are the goats, and in a nearby field are the alpacas, which look like big sheep with long necks.

The Raptor Center is based at Groombridge Place Gardens and is the largest conservation centre for birds of prey in the south east. Flying displays take place three times a day (weather permitting). The displays, which features eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, take place at 11.30 AM, 1.00 PM and 3.30 PM. Come and see the birds at their best - flying free.

Established in 1977 by Eddie Hare, the Raptor Centre answers over 500 calls a year. Sick and injured raptors are cared for and if possible restored to health and released back into the wild. The Centre is renowned for its highly successful breeding and release programmes, and for its work with endangered species in the Groombridge Land.

If you discover a sick or injured raptor, please ring the Raptor Centre on 01892-861175.

The author is an environmentalist based in the Groombridge Land.