A Rich and Varied Habitat
Where once wolves, bears and wild boar roamed the hills, today’s main predators are foxes, badgers, buzzards and ravens of which we have seen a marked increase in numbers in recent years with a corresponding decrease in the numbers of ground nesting birds successfully rearing chicks. A growing population of brown hares has largely replaced the rabbits, and otters and roe deer are seen occasionally.
Bird species where a decline in numbers has been noted include curlew, lapwing, golden plover, grouse, snipe and woodcock, however, there remains a healthy population of skylarks and meadow pippits on the hill with occasional sightings of hen harriers, red kites, red and black grouse, and kestrels. Summer visitors include cuckoos, wheatears, whinchat, swallows and martins in big numbers. Barn owls nest in a purpose-built box in the hayshed, successfully rearing between 3 and 5 owlets every year.
The Meggat Water supports many bird species including dippers, mallard, goosanders and herons, with summer visitors including sand martins, oyster catchers, common sandpipers, and pied and grey wagtails.
Have a Question?
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’ll be happy to help.
