Deer Rut

It is that time of year again when our fallow and red deer start to think about rutting. I love the rut... and many of you know that I have a soft spot for our native deer, and so whilst I am enjoying this time of year I am also sadden by the lack of presence of our old master stag Eric.

I had worked with Eric for 8 years, seen him mature and take over as the master stag and seen him sire many offspring. It was a sad day when earlier this year we had to put him down due to old age, a broken leg and crippling arthritis.

But, new on the seen is young Albus who will eventually take over the herd and start the new era for our reds.

Without any one particular dominate stag at the moment, the red deer rut will be rather tame. We have already had a lot of posturing and roaring from the three youngsters, and the occasional clash of antler, but nothing to get too excited about. Still all interesting behaviour to watch however, and great to see Albus trying to get involved with the two established stags.

So this year, it looks like the fallow deer will e the ones to really keep an eye on. Both our young bucks are of similar age and size, and are both now mature enough to really want to stake a claim for the does. Once again, they have started to bark and flaunt themselves to each other... and I think it will only be a matter of time before they eventually lock antlers to test their stamina against each other.

Don't forget... we are open everyday this week for the half-term. Why not come and see us, and spend a bit of time by our deer paddock to see the rut unfold.

Otters to star on Winterwatch

Yesterday, Chris Packham and the "Springwatch" team were down here to film for a Winterwatch series they are doing this Winter.

Within this series they are to show an episode which concentrates on otters, and whilst they had very good footage of wild otters... they wanted to have a bit with Chris Packham talking to the camera with otters swimming around him!

Of course, Gracie and Tamar were willing to help out, and although it took a little time for them to get used to someone walking actually in their pond, they settled down quickly and proved to be naturals in front of the camera!

Although our otters have been filmed many times before, I believe it is the first time that Grace and Tamar will be on the small screen... the filming was obviously very tiring for them as you can see above.

Winterwatch will air later this year, keep an eye out to see our otters on there, and a brief cameo in the background by our weasel, Eva.

BWC Members Lunch Club

It is getting close to that time of year when we close to the general public, staying open only for pre-booked groups such as schools, universities and photographic days.

After the October half term, we will not be open again until the day after Boxing day, for about 1 week, and then after that it will be February half term and then back to normal, opening every weekend from March through till the end of October next year.

After last years success, Members of the British Wildlife Centre will still be able to come and visit the Centre during this "down" time during our exclusive "Members Lunch Club" dates. These offer members with withdrawal symptoms a chance visit us for a few hours during the day, have the Centre to themselves and we will even through in a lunch to boot!

 

These sessions will run from 12pm - 3pm, with lunch being served at 12.30pm.

They are only available if you pre-book by either phoning or emailing the main office.

Price will be £12 per member.

For all the dates available, and to find out more information, please check our main website linked below.

BWC Lunch Club