BELFORD SCHOOL VISIT

On the 11th June we were delighted to welcome 20 pupils from Belford Primary School, along with their teachers, for some outdoor education. The main purpose of the day was to examine how the Wild Cattle interact with, and benefit, their surrounding environment. The day consisted of field work in the Park and some table top analysis back at the Pavilion.

In the Park, the pupils were able to take samples from the streams, finding an amazing array of freshwater invertebrates including lots of dragonfly nymphs which are very special. They learned about the diversity of the sward, looked for dung beetles and learned how to use an identification guide to identify wild flowers.

They could see how the diverse habitat was good for insects, which were good for small mammals, which in turn were good for the raptors. The Barn Owl that now resides in the Hemmel provided 20 pellets, which were examined back at the Pavilion. These revealed the remains of about 90 small mammals, of which around 80% were voles. The remainder were mice and shrews.

We much look forward to welcoming our next school visit. If you would like to bring a school party, please do call us on 01668 215250.