Nature

Nature and Wildlife

Feeding the Birds at the park

For those of you who wish to feed the birds at the park we have an area near the main car park and miniature train station, which is ideal for you to get up close to the birds that are not so shy in the park. We advise that you feed them with the bird food we have at the park, (as bread is not suitable for their digestive system and their development, it can make them quiet poorly). The bird food is available to purchase at a low cost from the cafe and train station.

Nature Reserve and Species of Birds

The park has a Nature Reserve area which includes a lake that can be walked around this is an excellent place for bird watching. Over 260 species of bird have been recorded at the park since it opened. With a variety of habitats within the park, it attract a variety of different species, there are always lots of birds to see all year round. 

Spring migration sees the woodlands come alive with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Grasshopper Warbler all announcing their arrival in a cacophony of song. Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Bullfinch can also be seen flitting between branches either looking for nesting material or a hearty meal to keep them going through the winter months.
We have a great number of different hedgerows within the park and a hedge between 1.2 and 1.4 metres high proves best for nesting birds so take a close look as you walk around.

We have a bird list you can use to check off which birds you have seen in the park during your visit - hyper link to PDF

Mini Beasts and animals

We have a variety of mini beats in the park including lovely butterflies, if you wish to try and spot the different ones during your visit– hyper link to PDF

The grasslands provide a home to a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates. Small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews also occur in large numbers as well as bigger animals such as Rabbit, Hare, Kestrel and Skylark. In areas where the vegetation has been cut and allowed to rot grass snakes can sometimes be seen.

The grasslands are carefully managed with animals such as sheep and highland cattle.