Wildlife at the Devon Shippon
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
HareHoptail, 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. | DragonflyThe dragonflies can be seen whizzing around the several ponds we have. | bluebellsThe bluebells are blooming in May/June. |
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SparrowhawkSparrowhawks often nest and breed in our trees, as well as Kestrels. Great for us, but not so for the pigeon population!!! | HedgehogHedgehogs can often be seen and heard, snuffling about, in the evenings. | Baby deerWe have 3 roe deer families living around us. Each year, it's wonderful to see the babies wandering about, fearless of people. |
BatWe 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 sunriseOur paddock is left for nature to develop, attracting a wide range of wildlife, all in perfect harmony with each other. | PheasantThe pheasants nest in the paddock. |
FoxNo doubt you'll hear the foxes barking, at night and sometimes see them running about in the fields. | sheepIn April, the sheep are put out into the field, behind us. The lambs join them by May. | deer1The deer used to wander through the nature field, until they ate all the tree saplings! They now wander the other side of the fencing!!! |
lambsThe 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