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Wildlife at the Devon Shippon

paddock.jpg

 

We have developed our wildlife field, over several years, making it as attractive as possible to the many species which we share the land with. Having planted many species of native trees, the field, although under an acre, provides several varying habitats for wildlife.

The majority of the field has been left to grow wild, apart from a mowed area for visitors to sit in. Not only is it great for wildlife, but it also means we don't have to mow it!!! By leaving the land to it's own devices, it has been colonised by many species of wildflower, which in turn attracts insects, birds and mammals. A word of warning, though. The food chain plays out very well, here!

There are concrete and metal pads, in the field, where, if you are lucky, you may catch sight of adders and grass snakes sunning themselves in the morning sunshine. 

There are mowed paths, which you are welcome to wander around. There are a number of muddy patches, which can often indicate the previous night's visitors. Footprints and droppings may give you a clue. There are books in the Hayloft, which can help you identify them, or just ask us.

A raised gazebo sits in the middle of the field, giving a good view of the area, as well as fantastic views to Dartmoor and Exmoor.

There are 3 ponds around the site; 2 of which are for wildlife. Newts, dragonflies, pond-skaters and beetles are resident, as well as the frogs and toads.

The wildlife obviously appreciates our efforts, as we've been lucky enough to have resident baby hares, rabbits, hedgehogs and birds. It's a delight to see them each day and watch them grow up, over the months.

Wellies or boots are a good idea, if you are wanting a wander.

Click on the pictures, below, for more information about the animals at the Devon Shippon

Hare

Hare

Hoptail, as we named him/her, lived and grew up with us for several months, before leaving for the wider fields. Hoptail still comes back to see us, with friends.

Dragonfly

Dragonfly

The dragonflies can be seen whizzing around the several ponds we have.

bluebells

bluebells

The bluebells are blooming in May/June.

Sparrowhawk

Sparrowhawk

Sparrowhawks often nest and breed in our trees, as well as Kestrels. Great for us, but not so for the pigeon population!!!

Hedgehog

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs can often be seen and heard, snuffling about, in the evenings.

Baby deer

Baby deer

We have 3 roe deer families living around us. Each year, it's wonderful to see the babies wandering about, fearless of people.

Bat

Bat

We have a number of different bats, which can be seen flying overhead, at night. We can offer a bat detector, to visitors, to identify the type.

paddock sunrise

paddock sunrise

Our paddock is left for nature to develop, attracting a wide range of wildlife, all in perfect harmony with each other.

Pheasant

Pheasant

The pheasants nest in the paddock.

Fox

Fox

No doubt you'll hear the foxes barking, at night and sometimes see them running about in the fields.

sheep

sheep

In April, the sheep are put out into the field, behind us. The lambs join them by May.

deer1

deer1

The deer used to wander through the nature field, until they ate all the tree saplings! They now wander the other side of the fencing!!!

lambs

lambs

The new lambs are entertaining to watch, as they run about together.

Mammals

Fox

Badger

Roe deer

Hare

Rabbit

Mole

Stoat

Weasel

Polecat

Bank vole

Field mouse

Wood mouse

Harvest mouse

Dormouse

Shrew

Common Pipestrelle

Common Noctule

Brown long-eared

Natterer’s

Birds of Prey

Buzzard

Kestrel

Sparrowhawk

Marsh Harrier

Barn owl

Tawny owl

Short-eared owl

Hobby

General Insects

Butterfiles

Moths

Bees

Wasps

Cranefly

Shield bugs

Caterpillars

Beetles

Pond insects

Dragonflies

Hawkers

Damselflies

Amphibian/

Reptile

Frog

Toad

Common newt

Palmate newt

Adder

Grass snake

Slow worm

These are the creatures which have been surveyed, over the past couple of years, at the Devon Shippon

Birds

Crow

Raven

Rook

Jackdaw

Magpie

Blackbird

Robin

House Sparrow

Dunnock

Greenfinch

Goldfinch

Yellowhammer

Blue tit

Great tit

Long-tailed tit

Wren

Goldcrest

Gr spotted woodpecker

Green woodpecker

Pigeon

Collared dove

Red-legged Partridge

Lapwing

Canada Goose

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