Rocklands Lodges Nature Watch
Situated in the heart of rural countryside and woodland it is no surprise that Rocklands Lodges is home to fantastic wildlife, some of who are rare and protected.
This quiet setting is the perfect place for those of you who wish to see the shy animals.
Thomas and Matilda
Meet the latest addition to the Rocklands family. Thomas and Matilda are angora goats that have joined us from a petting zoo in Scarborough. Their new home is the woodland glen where the happily climb and graze. Both are tame and used to people although Matilda is still a little timid. Thomas does loves to have his neck stroked. We do however ask that people refrain from feeding them.
The Red Kite
| The Red Kite has been spotted by numerous guests at Rocklands this summer. This rare bird of prey was almost extinct due to the government of the 16th century declaring it Vermin and ordering its complete extermination. In the early 19th century it became a protected bird and the last twenty years has seen its re-introduction to England. The numbers are now beginning to grow and in 1999 The Red Kite was named 'Bird of the Century.' By the British Trust for Ornithology |  |
The Merlin
A more common sight around Rocklands is the UK's smallest Bird of Prey - The Merlin. A member of the Falcon family, this beautiful creature has set up home in the quarry of the left hand as you enter Rocklands.
These birds usually like to set up nests on cliff faces and feed on smaller birds. They catch their prey by flying low and fast and taking the target from either just above or off the ground itself.
The WoodpeckerOne bird you would expect to see in a woodland environment is the Woodpecker. Ours comes in the form of a Great Spotted Woodpecker and you can see them regularly hoping around the trees and visiting the bird tables |  |
Deer
The early risers amongst us have a chance of seeing Deer from the nearby woods. Their woodland habitat is about ¼ mile behind the main house at Rocklands and they have been seen to graze on the wild grass
Foxes, Badges and Owls
The more shy visitors are the fox and badger who have only been spotted a few times. A vixen and her young cubs were recently spotted one evening. For those of you who like to stay up late, then you are in chance of seeing our nocturnal and somewhat shy wildlife. The most common are the Barn and Tawny Owls who have also made the Quarry their home and you can hear their song after dark
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