Water Vole and Adder Update

Our water voles are settling very well, this past two weeks have been great for them to get used to people and cameras being around. Three are still a little timid, but do venture out if you are patient and quiet. The other however is as bold as anything... Often out, and often posing.

First thing when we open, and last half hour before we close are still the best times to try and see them. It is a little quieter then, and this is naturally when they are a little more active too.

Our adders are currently shedding, with only a couple left to go. You can see in the photo above the dramatic difference in before and after. The duller, brown one is a male adder before he sheds and the much more vivid and vibrant one on top is after shedding! What a difference.

This of course means dancing soon. I guess next week we will see it for the first time, but of course you will hear as soon as I know on this blog.

Even better news, the youngsters have now been seen out since last year. Aren't they just adorable little things?.. No?.. Hmm, ok. I do have a soft spot for them, and even if you don't think they are cute you have to still admire them.

This one curled up above rested on an are of the ground not much bigger than a 50p coin!

April 16th: Extra Photography Day

I have been asked by the office to mention to you all that we have added an extra "BWC Photography Day" to our schedule for next Thursday, the 16th of April.

Very short notice I know, but unfortunately the school we had booked in had to cancel... 1st time I think this has happened! It is too late to open it up to another school, so instead we can welcome 12 of you to come along for a photography day.

Our days have been very popular so far, and all other dates in April and May are already fully booked, so if you were trying to get in on one of those... here is another chance.

Usual schedule etc. 9.30am arrive for 10am start, finishing around 4pm. For more information look on our website, or call the office.

March's Photo of the Month

"Hang on to your nuts!" by Pauline Fowler

It's that time again for me to share with you my pick of the photo of the month. Last month I went right back to the beginning of the month, but for March I chose one which was only sent in via email the other day.

We had some great photos, as always, going up on our social sites... Some really nice early portraits of our new water voles on our display island, our new pine marten Drogo and our adders about to shed... But I chose this one above sent in via email and taken by Pauline Fowler.

This is a beautiful portrait, very soft and muted colours, but really captures the essence of the squirrel and the weather that day. When I first saw this it almost felt like I was looking at a painting, and that is what caught my eye. What I particularly like about this photo is that it was taken on a very windy, dark, wet day... you can see the tail and ear tufts being blown by the wind... and it goes to show, that even in less than ideal weather, you can get out there with a camera and take some amazing photographs.

Well done Pauline! Beautiful photo. If you would like to see more of Pauline's photography, follow the link in the photo or her name above to go to her website. If you like the style of the photo above, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Pauline's photo, along with the other photos of the month, will be in our coffee shop gallery throughout 2016.