Archive for category wildlife

Reach for the sun lotion!

Sep 26

Posted by elisa in Cottages Search, Cycling, Events, family days out, Food and Drink, Fun, Walking, Weather, West Country, wildlife | No Comments

Quick, take a few days off work this week if you can to enjoy the Indian summer we’re having! It looks as if this sunny weather, with temperatures reaching 27C (80F) in some parts of the UK, is only set to last one week as the country is bathed in warm weather blowing in from the continent. After one of the worst summers for 20 years, we will be able to appreciate a little of what it could have been, if only for this week.

So, this has inspired me to write a top ten list of things that you can easily do on a whim while the sun is shining!

1. Have a picnic in your local park

2. Play tennis

3. Visit an outdoor pool

4. Make your own mini kite (very easy with some tissue paper and string) and fly it in the park or your garden

5. Go for a bike ride

6. Gather your friends for a water fight

7. Have a BBQ

8. Head to a theme park, such as Alton Towers

9. Laze in your garden with a good book and a cool drink.

10. Book a last minute holiday cottage with Holiday Cottages!

There are many other things you could do of course, so if you have any other ideas, please leave them as a comment below as we’d love to hear them!

New Forest promises free family fun

Jun 23

Posted by jason in family days out, New Forest, Walking, wildlife | No Comments

The New Forest in Hampshire is aiming to attract more families this summer with a range of walks, picnics, wildlife rambles and other events – all free and, it’s promised, fun.

The area’s website, allows you to download a podcast for a do-it-yourself guided walk, find the ideal picnic spot, discover a whole new world on a bug hunt, go crabbing on the coast or simply to have a great day out at one of the country’s best National Parks.

Suggestions for days out include:

Enjoying the freedom of the forest with a shady walk under the forest canopy, where children can enjoy the freedom of 200 square miles of beautiful National Park.
Rambling with a ‘ranger’ by downloading one of a choice of podcasts for your MP3 player, then putting on your headphones and listening to a Forestry Commission ranger.
Enjoying the view at Lepe Country Park, where there are stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and from Hurst Castle to Portsmouth’s Spinnaker tower. With over a mile of beach, pine fringed cliffs, historic D-Day remains and wild flower meadows, Lepe is a great day out.
Picking the perfect picnic spot from the top tips list at New Forest National Park
Giving your dog a beach walk – the New Forest has 43 miles of coastline to explore and dogs are allowed on the beach at Barton-on-Sea, Calshot, Hordle Cliff, Keyhaven, Lepe (part of) and Milford on Sea.

Tags: hampshire, Lepe Country Park, New Forest National Park, picnic

Devon’s big day out!

May 9

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Articles, Availability, Cottages Search, Devon, Events, Exhibitions, Festivals, Food and Drink, Somerset, Tips, Walking, West Country, wildlife | No Comments

From the 19th – 21st May is the Devon County Show in Exeter. Enjoy three full days of West Country food and drink, the very best horses, goats, sheep, bunnies and cows, including the famous Devon cattle known as Red Rubies. Kids can plant seeds, bake bread, milk Daisy the model cow, weave willow wands, see chicks hatch and pet gentle farm animals. For those of you interested in craft there are lace-makers, quilters, weavers, spinners and dyers. Look out for demonstrations and take the chance to talk to these skilled crafts’ people to get practical advice on anything you may be working on at home. For a nibble, check out the BIG Devon cream tea marquee, with scones made by Richard Hunt, Executive Chef of the Grand Hotel, thick clotted cream and lashings of jam. There is such a huge list of things to do, it’s probably best to go to the website for full details. If that’s not tempting enough, then kids go free on Saturday!

After all this excitement, why not go back to nearby Ottery St Mary (of flaming barrel running fame) to this gorgeous little cottage from Helpful Holidays that sleeps 4. A long, elegant hall leads to L-shaped living/dining/kitchen with TV/DVD and beautifully fitted kitchen area (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge-freezer, gas hob) with small breakfast table (larger table/chairs kept folded in hall for more formal dining). French windows open to small patio area (table/chairs) immediately to the front of the house.. Oak stairs to first floor and two bedrooms – a double, and a single; very luxurious bathroom. On the second floor, a double bedroom under the eaves with smart en suite shower-room (suite) and 2 steps up to French windows to a small and very private roof terrace (table/chairs) with fine views over the town.

Tags: Cottages, Devon County Show, Helpful Holidays

The New Forest

Feb 15

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Coast, Cottages Search, family days out, Holiday advice, New Forest, Romantic breaks, Walking, wildlife | No Comments

Now that spring is in the air the New Forest would be a good place to visit for a romantic break or family holiday. With idyllic woods and open moorland across 90,000 acres of National Park and 43 miles of coastline, it has a lot to offer. You can go on some extremely picturesque walks through ancient woodland where ponies, cattle and deer roam over wild heathland. The National Park is only 90 minutes from London Waterloo but so far away in terms of city life’s stresses and strains.

For the more adventurous amongst you, there are a range of water sports on the Beaulieu River and Go Ape’s extreme high-wire forest fun is not easily forgotten.

Beaulieu is famous for its National Motor Museum, which features more than 250 vehicles from every era and Paultons Park has become a family favourite for its many rides and activities as well as the soon-to-open Peppa Pig World attraction. At Longdown Activity Farm children can learn about the animals and you can hold and fly some of Britain’s most beautiful birds of prey at Amews Falconry.

Another appeal of the New Forest is that it’s only a short drive from the woodland heart to the coast to enjoy some fish & chips and crabbing at Lymington. A great starting point for any visit is the New Forest Centre at Lyndhurst where you can find everything you need to know, and during the summer you can also jump on the New Forest Tour bus to guide you around coast and forest scenery from 15 feet up!

How about this lovely cottage that sleeps up to 5 and is situated along a quiet residential lane in the village of Sway, on the southern edge of the New Forest, four miles from the coast at Lymington and the same distance to Brockenhurst. Newly built and carefully designed to incorporate many period features, combined with quality fixtures and fittings. The ground floor is completely open plan for informal living and the cottage offers light and bright holiday accommodation. Lovely in the summer with the French doors and stable doors open to the garden, warm and cosy in the winter with a wood burning stove for snug evenings around the fire.

Pennywell Farm new season opens 19th February

Feb 14

Posted by elisa in Devon, family days out, West Country, wildlife | No Comments

Springing lamb picture by Flickr User craigcullum

Perfect for the half term holidays is a day out at Pennywell Farm in Devon, the new season opens this Saturday 19th February and is open daily from 10am-5pm. Enjoy activities such as ferret racing, goat milking, hand feeding deer and snuggling the famous miniature piglets. The children will also undoubtedly love to see the new lambs of the season springing about the fields and if they’re lucky they may get a chance to feed them! Silver Wings Falconry will be providing two falconry displays every day of the season also.

Ride the Run Rabbit Go Carts, Rainbow Railway, Tractor and Trailer ride and Red Rocket ride are all included in the admission price (£10.95 per adult and £8.95 per child).

Sea sights

Dec 29

Posted by jason in News, reports, wildlife | No Comments

Click to dowload

A new guide to help sea-users identify, and behave responsibly towards, marine life has been produced by The Wildlife Trusts and The Green Blue, the environment programme for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Marine Federation (BMF).

The Green Marine Wildlife Guide will be launched at the 2011 London International Boat Show in January. The free guide contains beautiful, full colour illustrations of marine wildlife ranging from dolphins to jellyfish, along with key information on how to respect the space of marine animals. Under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act it is illegal to disturb wildlife, and the guide gives details of how to avoid breaking this law, providing safe distances and other advice.

Sea-users are also encouraged to report all sightings of marine animals to The Wildlife Trusts’ website. Information gathered will play a vital role in conservation work for many marine species.

Joan Edwards, head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We can all appreciate the magic of an encounter with wildlife, and how this boosts our enjoyment of the ocean. It is in all our interests to ensure our seas are Living Seas, where wildlife can thrive. We hope The Green Marine Wildlife Guide will make it easier to understand the role sea-users can play in making this happen.”

Sarah Brown from The Green Blue added: “Boaters are always keen to learn more about the wildlife they enjoy while out on their boats. This guide provides loads of important information about how to identify and enjoy wildlife without the risk of disturbance or harm to either the animals or themselves!”

The leaflet is available from The Wildlife Trusts’ website, or just click the image above for direct download.

Tags: British Marine Federation, marine life, Royal Yachting Association, Sailing, The Green Blue, The Green Marine Wildlife Guide, The Wildlife Trusts

Wildlife Trusts voice concerns over new planning proposals

Nov 16

Posted by admin in eco-tourism, wildlife | No Comments

Wildlife Trust

The Wildlife Trusts have expressed concern about government proposals that allow the new Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) to fast-track major developments such as ports and power stations.

The British conservation charity fears wildlife may not be adequately considered when approving new developments.

Six National Policy Statements released this week state that the IPC will give the final go-ahead on major infrastructure projects. Stephanie Hilbourne, chief executive for The Wildlife Trust, claims this overrides the current democratic process where local people, through bodies such as Wildlife Trusts, can raise objections to developments on environmental grounds. She said:

“Local Wildlife Trusts all around the country scrutinise and monitor planning applications – around 90,000 each year. Our local expertise and knowledge is second to none. It often adds value to the planning system on major infrastructure and other projects.

“The new process must allow this careful consideration and involvement to continue with major infrastructure projects, whether it is the siting of ports, wind farms or nuclear power stations. For the future of our natural environment and our wildlife, it is vital we continue to have that say.”

The Wildlife Trusts are worried that, since the IPC does not have explicit ecological expertise, wildilfe and ecology issues may get overlooked when future large-scale developments are planned.

wildlife boost

Jan 8

Posted by evekerswill in News, wildlife | 2 Comments

It’s great to be able to report a positive wildlife story. The following piece, due to appear in the next issue of Holiday Cottages, is based on information sent to us by the Wildlife Trusts. OK, so we are giving a plug to Waitrose, but we’re more than happy to publicise people or organisations who encourage farming practices that attract and help wildlife. Good old Waitrose. I wish our nearest wasn’t 50 miles away!

Wildlife thrives

Some of Britain’s dairy farmers are playing a vital role in the resurgence of many threatened wild animals and birds.

Figures from the wildlife scheme, WildCare, which advises farmers on how to create and maintain habitats, show that endangered creatures – such as brown hares, yellowhammers and even the house sparrow – are making a dramatic comeback on participating farms.

The figures, released two years after the launch of WildCare at 60 dairy farms which supply the supermarket Waitrose, reveal that wildlife habitats have increased by 19% on the farms. Sightings of birds considered to be in decline are up 47%.

Farmers involved in the scheme leave hedgerows to produce blossom and fruit to feed birds in the winter, before they trim them. They’ve also taken a variety of other wildlife-attracting measures which include creating wide field margins so that wild flowers provide food and egg-laying areas for butterflies, and making ponds, ditches, beetle banks, skylark scrapes, barn owl boxes and wetland areas as well as leaving stubble on the ground over winter.

Species in decline nationally, but which have bucked the trend on the participating farms include spotted flycatchers, reed buntings, starlings, house sparrows, yellowhammers and the brown hare.

Sightings of butterflies have also increased ‘significantly’, including meadow brown, gatekeeper, ringlet and large white. www.wildlifetrusts.org

Winter Walks

Oct 15

Posted by evekerswill in News, Walking, wildlife | 1 Comment

Winter is the best time for walking. That’s the opinion of many people who say that not only is it more comfortable to get out in the cooler months (layer your clothing so you’re not too warm or too cold), but our landscapes look great, too.

The National Trust has come up with some fabulous walks for holiday cottagers and here are just a few of them. For more, go the Trust’s website where you’ll find 100 downloadable treks.

Allen Banks in Northumberland – The River Allen has carved out a wooded gorge in this area of ancient woodland. 181 species of fungi have been recorded, along with roe deer and otters. A gentle 2.5 mile walk. Download it for free at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01670 774691.

Blakeney Point to Stiffkey, Norfolk – During the winter, hundreds of thousands of birds flock to the salt marshes and fields here to feed. Birds of prey skim the marshes, too. Grey and common seals bask off Blakeney Point. The Trust says, “Don’t forget your binoculars on this four mile walk”. Download it at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01263 740241.

Box Hill, Surrey – Box Hill, says the Trust, is a “green jewel in an urban landscape”. It’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) of chalk downland and woodland with terrific views across the South Downs. Follow the footpaths or roam free. Collect a leaflet at Box Hill or call 01306 885502.

Clent Hills, West Midlands – With their magnificent views to the Welsh Black Mountains, quiet copses and ancient beech pollards, these hills are a great place to walk. A one mile path leads to the summit and from here you can take woodland or heathland paths back. Download at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01384 872418.

Dodman Point, Cornwall – A three mile walk over the highest headland on the South Cornish coast through a landscape shaped by 4,000 years of human occupation. Iron age earthworks, bronze age barrows, mediaeval strip fields and fabulous views of the Lizard peninsula await. Download the walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01726 844652.

Harting Down, Sussex – A moderate two mile walk over one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in the care of the National Trust. Magnificent views over the Weald to the North Downs from a path through ancient yew woodland. Download it at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01372 453401.

Hayfield to Kinder Scout in Derbyshire – In 1932 more than 500 people gathered to walk this eight mile route – illegally – to campaign for rights of access to the countryside. The Mass Trespass was a milestone in opening up the British countryside to walkers. You, too, can trek through this dramatic landscape. Download the walk from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01433 670368.

Old Harry Rocks, Dorset – This 3.5 mile path leads through ancient coppiced woodland to the rugged sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, before heading inland over meadows and then back to the sea at Studland beach. Download at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01297 561900.

Tarn Hows, Cumbria – This five mile walk heads from Coniston water up to Tarn Hows. Some of the most famous Lakeland fells stretch before you, including Wetherlam, the Old Man of Coniston, Langdale Pike and Helvellyn: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01539 441951.

Whitford Burrows, Gower Peninsula – Whitford Burrows sit at the more northerly end of the spectacular Gower Peninsula in south Wales. The four mile walk takes you along the dunes, past mediaeval marshes, and through pine forests planted to help stabilise the sands. The walk back is along the beach. Download at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks or call 01792 390636.

Good news for badgers

Jul 17

Posted by evekerswill in News, wildlife | No Comments

The Wildlife Trusts have welcomed environment secretary Hilary Benn’s rejection of a badger cull as a solution to combating bovine TB in cattle.

Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, says: “This is a good day for science, public opinion and common sense. We congratulate Hilary Benn on sticking to the scientific evidence and drawing a line under any consideration of a badger cull.

“There is no single solution to this disease, but now is the time for all parties to throw their weight behind cattle-to-cattle control measures, vaccine development and improved biosecurity to deal with bovine TB.”

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