We have several protected species on our farm as well as different areas which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Our Wild Life Watch activities focuses on two of the protected species- and one area os SSSI - The dormouse and the cirl bunting and a special area of grassland.
We learn how to identify these species and find out about why they are under threat. We look at their habitats and discuss why their numbers are in decline. We think about ways to protect them and how to help them multiply. We find out about how we are managing the land to help cirl buntings and door mice thrive here. We find out about cattle farming and how cows contribute to the survival of the cirl bunting. We discover what cirl buntings and dormice eat and we look for their food on the farm.
Groups are invited to learn how to make boxes which help dormice survive in the wild. Members of the group place the boxes in the wood land on the farm. The groups return at various times of the year to monitor life in the boxes and gage their effectiveness in nature conservation.
Groups visit the special grass land and identify the things which make it special. We learn about the history of this pasture and why there are so few places like this left in the UK. We find out about what we can do to protect it and how our farm management scheme ensures the long term survival of this special area.
All these activities involve groups in hands on learning as well as creative art activities.
We have several protected species on our farm as well as different areas which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Our Wild Life Watch activities focuses on two of the protected species- and one area os SSSI - The dormouse and the cirl bunting and a special area of grassland.