Update from the Reserve – February 2021

Written by: Stewart Borland
Published: 26th February 2021

As we walk the line between winter and spring, we have witnessed the winds of change at the Reserve (sometimes accompanied by some rather low overnight temperatures). In this month’s Reserve Update, we check-in with one of our favourite spiky friends, we thank you for your continuous involvement, and we bid farewell to a close human friend. Continue reading to find out more!

Almost Ready for the Wild

You’ll remember last month’s special delivery from Crown Vets – a poorly hedgehog, lovingly named Annie, who we have been caring for and nurturing back to health. The plan was to keep her indoors, at the Hedgehog Hospital, until we got a warmer spell of weather. However, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C earlier this month (that’s -4°F), we have kept her indoors for a little longer than we had anticipated (having caught plenty of footage of her hiding and munching away in her enclosure).

Now that it feels like a mild spell is coming, we are getting ready to get Annie back out in the wild – but of course, only after a wee spell in the Forever Home for Injured Hedgehogs first, just to make sure her recovery is complete. We have even already prepared a lovely new box in the Forever Home just for her!

ADOPT A HEDGEHOG

Your Feedback Is Much Appreciated

Some of you may have noticed a survey email in your inbox last month, as we were querying Lairds, Lords and Ladies on their experience purchasing and registering their plots. If you were one of the almost 540 people that submitted your feedback, we wanted to thank you again for your participation and tell you how much we appreciate your feedback – which, by the way, was overwhelmingly positive.

We are continually working to improve the Highland Titles offering, website, and overall experience, and your opinion truly matters. We are taking on a lot of the feedback provided in the surveys, and we already have a couple of new features and surprises lined up just for you – coming soon!

SUPPORT CONSERVATION

Digging for Gold

Ok, not gold. But even better, water! As visitors numbers continue to increase, and even with our big storage tank, water off the hill is no longer a viable long term option. Luckily, we have a bit of old, local knowledge, and we have managed to unearth a possible answer – right below our feet. Now to wait for Scottish Water to test it and tell us if it’s still a live line!

SUPPORT THE NATURE RESERVE

Goodbye Shannon, and Good Luck

All good things must come to an end, and this is, unfortunately, the end of our fun year with Shannon as she is moving with her partner to Killin for his work. Please join me in wishing her all the best in whatever her future holds, though we know it will never match wildcats, hedgehogs, birds, bees and daily tours! The good news is that Heather is in her final year at St Andrew’s and will be back with us before the Summer!

SUPPORT THE RESERVE TEAM

Clip of the Month: Night and Day at the Feeder

This month’s Spycam footage features night and day footage at one of the squirrel feeders – but with different guests, at different times (fortunately!). Look out for the wee slip as well – a remarkable recovery though, we must admit.