Wildlife and Conservation
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Would your unit like to plant a ‘Dormouse Conservation hedgerow’ around the site?
…apply for a free hedging pack from the Woodland Trust and book to come out and plant your trees in Autumn or early Spring…it’s a great event to bring parents along to join in.
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There is a fantastic range of wildlife and flora to be observed throughout the year at Copeland Cottage and throughout the Maggie Whitehouse Woodland. To support you enjoying this we have created some specific facilities.
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Bird Feeding Area
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We have a series of bird feeders between the car park and cottage. Feed is provided in containers in the Cottage craft room along with an excellent range of spotter and books to help you ID birds visiting. We also list our "Latest Sightings" on a board in the craft room.
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Suggested activities include bird feeding, bird watching and making bird cakes, recipes for this can be found on the RSPB website here.
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Remember to listen out for Barn Owls and Tawny Owls at night!
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Insect and Mammal Hotels
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Watch out for mice and voles, nesting birds or visiting stoats! Why not build a hotel or small insect box? There are plenty of natural materials to forage onsite to add to your creations and lots of designs online to inspire you!
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Bird Boxes
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We have built and installed over 40 nest boxes around the site. Why not make your own boxes either before or during a stay. You are welcome to install new boxes, please talk to us about suitable locations.
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Bat Conservation
We are adding to existing bat habitats on site including adding more nest boxes and feeding areas. If your group would like to get involved do let us know! We can recommend bat box building, creating nesting sites, planting moth and insect plants, and creating a pool to encourage insects and provide water.
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Dormouse conservation
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Adding hazel coppices are perfect for our woodland, and creating mammal corridors through hedge planting projects and the laying of existing hedgerows are very beneficial to our smaller mammal species! If you would like to get involved please get in touch!
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Badger conservation
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We have worked to create wildlife zones in the woodland where we do not disturb our resident larger mammals. This includes 2 setts of badgers, foxes and visiting Fallow and Roe deer. If you are quiet you will often observe these mammals around the site at dusk.
