Posts Tagged ‘RSPB’
Wild about Norfolk? Well, obviously we are.
It’s also the name of an annual Wildlife and Environment Fair that aims to promote local nature conservation organisations and general appreciation of things natural in Norfolk.
This year, Wild About Norfolk was held at Easton College, a land-based college just outside Norwich that offers courses such as Animal Care, Equine Studies and Horticulture. It was a lovely sunny Saturday, and with free parking and free entry, worth checking out.
The event was held throughout rooms and halls on the Easton College campus, some rooms being dedicated to a particular theme (for example, bees & honey-making, seashore and ocean wildlife…). It was clear that a great deal of effort had been put into the event, with many hands-on, interactive displays that the children (including Little man) seemed to love.
As we wandered around, there was plenty of opportunity to talk to the 40+ nature conservation organisations present, which included the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, Friends of Gressenhall, RSPB and Pensthorpe. It was particularly interesting to find out more about the plethora of nature-themed events that take place in Norfolk throughout the year, for all age groups.
Outside, there was the chance to explore nature trails around Easton College campus, and the campus itself, which is actually rather lovely. We discovered a couple of beautiful gardens (presumably used in courses offered at the college), including the pretty and tranquil ‘Regimental Garden’, dedicated to those that have lost their lives in conflict.
The day ended with a tractor ride around the lanes surrounding the campus. Fun as it was, it was as bumpy as one of the more riotous amusement park rides you might find. Possibly not advisable at 5 months pregnant. I spent much of the ride bracing myself and holding on for dear life! Think Little Man enjoyed it though.
All in all a nice day out, and, best of all, free. We even won a prize in the tombola (not free, obviously). Excellent.
Keep an eye out for next years Wild About Norfolk event.
As if the host of wonderful shops, workshops, cafe and therapy room wasn’t enough to encourage you to visit Creake Abbey Studios this summer, there is now an added attraction that will be of particular interest to those nature-lovers among you.
A Date With Nature - Barn Owls
White Barn Owls are a regular visitor to one of the barns at Creake Abbey Studios in North Creake, so much so that this year, the RSPB installed a camera in one of the boxes they nest in. Just to demonstrate that while we may be able to observe these stunning wild creatures, we cannot control them, the owls consequently decided to nest in the other available box! When the time was right, the camera was moved, and now provides a live feed from the nesting box onto a television in the nearby exhibition trailer, where you can watch the birds.
What can you expect to see we hear you ask? Well, depending on the time of day, you can be privvy to the owls’ family life as they come and go and raise their young. You can also chat with the RSPB representatives about all things bird-related. If you visit in the evening, you might be able to spot Daddy Owl hunting across the nearby fields before returning to the nest box to feed his baby. Ringed so he can be tracked, Dad is a native to the locale – he was born down the road in South Creake!
There is a slightly sad (and grim) aside to this story that serves to illustrate the delicate balance of nature, including these majestic birds. Originally, there were 5 chicks this year but it has been a poor vole season apparently and there was not enough food to go around. So one chick ate the other four (we warned you it was grim). This remaining (presumably strongest/largest) chick is the only one still to remain.
The event runs 7 days a week from 5 June until 29 August 2010, from 11am until dusk. It is totally free to visit.
View ADWN barn owl (PDF) for further information about the Date With Nature at Creake Abbey Studios or visit www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/
Barn Owls - Hunters Not Haunters!
- 18/05/2012 - Victorian Shell Artistry May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Shipwrecked! Back to 1897 May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - A Walk Through Time: The Victorians May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Norwich 20 Group – Looking into 20 – paintings and sculpture at The Forum May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Tony Foster Paintings/Angela Harding Prints May 18, 2012