The farm is a great place for watching wildlife, the lake has a purpose built photography hide with perches for regular kingfishers and the three acres of water attracts all sorts of wildfowl including mallard, pochard, teal and tufted duck. In the springtime great crested grebe and little grebe regularly arrive and nest at the lake.
We have nest boxes all over the farm for Barn and Tawny owls and a regular pair of little owls nest in the farmyard straw barn each year. Several kestrels also use our purpose built nest boxes.
Other birds of prey to be found out in the fields including buzzards, red kites and sparrow hawks. These are often seen swooping thought the hedgerows of the lower fields.
More common species to be enjoyed are sky larks which are quite abundant despite being classed as rare in this area and yellow wagtails are always seen in the oilseed rape during the spring.
We collect all the waste ‘off corn’ seed from harvest and set aside an area of the farm to feed this to birds throughout the cold winter months. This attracts many finches, buntings, tits as well as partridges and pheasants. There is a hide for viewing this area.
During recent winters woodcock are often seen in the rape fields hiding between the plant rows beautifully camouflaged until they spring off infront of you twisting away into the distance.
Its not just birds you can enjoy watching either. We have many interesting mammals/insects and reptiles too. Throughout the year there is a herd of Fallow deer on the farm and many Muntjac too. These are best spotted from our tree hides early in the morning or at dusk. Foxes and badgers all have sets on the farm and Pete can advise you on the best way to spot these canny creatures.
One of Petes personal favourite spectacles is to watch the farms abundant hare population during March/April going through their ‘boxing’ ritual. If you are lucky enough to see this you will soon know where the expression ‘Mad as a March hare’ came from.
If you are interested in any wildlife or bird watching speak to Pete for seasonal advice on whats best where at any given time of year.
Great! How do I find the farm?
In order to come and spot birds and wildlife at the farm, you’ll need to call Pete and introduce yourself after which you’ll be able to come and visit whenever you like.
It’s important that ornithologists and wildlife lovers know where it is and isn’t a good idea to explore on the farm due to the other activities we facilitate. Don’t forget that we also charge a small fee for use of the farm. See our prices page for more information.
Call us to arrange your introduction
