Update from the Reserve – September 2019
Written by: Stewart Borland
Published: 30th September 2019
Autumn sure seems to have arrived suddenly this year – and while we happily welcome the crisper mornings and chilly nights, we have yet to see the Summer craze in visitor numbers decline. On top of our usual guided tours with Lords, Lairds and Ladies from all over the world, we have had some special visitors this month: from enthusiastic volunteers to camera crews, capturing some new material for our gift pack DVDs. Not all visitors were temporary, though; we also have some new permanent residents. Continue reading to find out more!
Three New Spiky Residents
As you may know, we work closely with Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue. This rescue centre looks after hundreds of hedgehogs and rehabilitates them until they are ready to go back to the wild, but they don’t have the facilities to take care of those injured or unsuitable for release – but luckily, we do! Especially now, that our hedgehog hospital is nearing completion.
Last week, they drove up with new guests for our Forever Home for Injured Hedgehogs: a blind hedgehog, a hedgehog with a missing leg, and a hedgehog that we are not quite sure of its ailment – we think it may be partially blind. They have been particularly well-behaved (with no biting this time), and they are already out and eating. You can watch a video of them moving in here. As always, you can support our Hedgehog Sanctuary by adopting a hedgehog – for just £25, you can fund the hedgehog’s care, food and shelter.
30 Volunteers x 3 Days = 2,500 Trees?
2,500 trees planted over 3 days – that was the result of the outstanding effort by around 30 DHL volunteers. Despite the hideous conditions – if you don’t believe me, you can see it for yourself in this video – the DHL team braved the weather and planted the great wildlife hedge at Bumblebee Haven, in our Mountainview Nature Reserve. The image on the left depicts the very first tree in the ground, a Hawthorne, planted with a few handfuls of compost and some pixie dust. Note to self: logistic experts make great, hard-working tree planters too!
Hedges are a better choice of boundary for wildlife than fences or walls, especially if native trees and shrubs are used, since they provide natural feeding and breeding opportunities. Once our native hedge is established, the fence will be removed, and the hedge will keep the deer out, while offering food, shelter and shade to other wildlife. They are also quite beautiful, and an overall fantastic resource for wildlife and foragers.
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas
What is more fun than buying a gift for friends and loved ones that doesn’t cost the Earth? We have put together a top 10 list of eco-friendly gifts for him or for her, and to suit various budgets. These have caught our eye with their impressive credentials for sustainability. We hope these gift ideas give you some inspiration!
Small Animal Expert
Our very own Andrew is slowly becoming quite the small animal expert. After 4 weeks down at Wildwood in Kent, earlier this month, Liz from the Bat Conservation Trust put him through a 2-day course to learn about bats – they have even found a roost in our tool store. Hopefully, we will be able to run bat walks next Summer… we’ll keep you updated! Next month, he’s off to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre to learn all there is to know about hedgehogs.
Clip of the Month: A Buzzy Surprise
You never know what can happen or who might appear during your Meet & Greet tour. Watch as two Ladies get a wonderful and sweet surprise during the visit to their plots. If you wish to visit your plot, remember to book the Meet and Greet prior to your arrival and well in advance, as tours quickly become fully booked.