Easter Opening

Some of you may have heard the news through Facebook that 'Pip's Corner' is now open for the Easter holiday, but you know what else we have at the Centre for you to enjoy?.. A wealth of wonderful wildlife, an abundance of awesome animals, a bevy of beautiful British b... uh, yeah!

This time of year is particularly good too, as the clocks have changed and the days are lengthening. Most of our hibernating animals have now emerged, or are in the process of doing so, and we even have our first signs of new life. One of the first Spring sightings for us are the herons nesting, and they are currently sitting on eggs. And yes you can go and see them, as the boardwalk is now open after a couple of months of essential repair works.

You all know one of my favourite Spring sightings are the adders. I mentioned a few weeks a go that we saw the males out, and one of the females emerged a week or so a go. I was a bit worried about the second female, but finally saw her a couple of days a go so all are good and looking well.

The nocturnal house is beginning to wake up, and Tiny Tom the hedgehog has been busy for a few weeks now. The bats have been seen too, leaving just the dormice to begin to wake up... but I would imagine this will be very soon as we have seen signs of out breeding dormice already waking up in their outside pens.

Longer days allow us to lengthen our schedule of Keeper Talks, and the summer itinerary is now in place. This means we no longer do a dedicated talk on the polecats (although you will still see them out and about), but have introduced the badgers, pine martens and hedgehogs back on to the agenda.

And of course, there is a lot more to see too. Our otter cubs are growing up, and I will have an update for you on them shortly (yes, including names...) Our red squirrels are going well, and signs of a few possible litters already. And some of you may have noticed a re-vamp to our bird feeding area as you enter the Centre. More news on the idea behind this too coming shortly.

So, remember we are now open to the public everyday for the next two weeks and Easter bank holiday Monday. Why not come and see us and the animals.