We have always prided ourselves on the richness and diversity of habitat at Redwood Valley, and of course the wildlife it attracts. Work to manage and enrich this habitat is a continuous process, and the rewards are there to see, with each year bringing new and exciting visitors.
Birds
The annual wildlife survey occurs at the end of May or beginning of June each year to coincide with the peak of the breeding season.
New nestboxes were added again this year, with many blocked until the end of April to avoid occupation by the common tit species, and to allow the later and rarer migrants – namely the iconic pied flycatchers and redstarts – to use them.
This year’s box check discovered an amazing six pied flycatcher nests (compared with four last year). Two of these were only 20 metres apart, and therefore many more nesting pairs would be possible, so it’s back to the workshop this winter. One pair nested in a box in front of the communal dining/kitchen area, and treated us to an evening display of fly catching just above our heads.
Although some boxes were designed with larger entrances for redstarts, those birds that visited this year chose to nest high up in the ancient oaks, which are full of perfect natural cavities, but our nestbox designs are constantly evolving, so fingers crossed for next year
Other nestbox successes included nuthatches, which returned to the same box they used last year, and a family of marsh tits – a nestbox first for us.
Other notable breeding birds this year included spotted flycatchers (three pairs identified and two nests located), tawny owls (three successfully fledged in the oaks next to the car park), mandarin ducks (which nested in a hollow alder down by the pond), treecreepers (including a nest high in the Redwood that could be observed from Eilian yurt), great-spotted woodpeckers, coal tits (two nests located), bullfinches, goldcrests, chiffchaffs and blackcaps. We also heard (with one guest reporting a sighting) firecrests in two locations on the site, which were presumably nesting too – another first for Redwood Valley.
Swallows and house martins were back in good numbers this year, breeding up at the house and surrounding buildings, while swifts were regularly sighted overhead along the valley, drawn to the myriad insects.
Arguably the most exciting sighting this year was a marauding goshawk, whose presence we first suspected when we started to find predated remains of larger birds around the site, including three great-spotted woodpeckers and some jackdaw fledglings. Then one evening it was seen heading down the valley, and a couple of days later it passed within a metre of one of us under the gatehouse bridge, just a few feet from the ground. The carcasses were all carried off, leaving patches of feathers, so presumably it had a nest nearby.
Perhaps it will choose Redwood Valley as its home next year.
Mammals
This year we are excited to report our first daylight sighting of an otter from the treetop cabin balcony. It was wandering upstream in the middle of the day, and gave us a wonderful view.
We also found a hazel dormouse hibernation nest inside one of the tree guards.
The camera traps have been out again this year, and not just during the wildlife survey. Notable appearances included otter(s), a rare polecat, mink, foxes and their cubs, badgers, a hedgehog and roe deer. You would be amazed at what is wandering around as you sleep!
Aquatic life
The pristine brook revealed some of its rarer inhabitants this year, including native crayfish and spawning brook lampreys, while the wildlife pond, now a lush and diverse habitat, was teeming with spawning amphibians, including frogs, toads and newts (we know we have great-crested newts on site, with two sightings this year). These in turn attracted predators, including the otter, mink and polecat mentioned above.
Next year we plan to introduce some native three-spined sticklebacks to the pond, not only to enrich the food web, but also to attract more visits from the kingfisher, especially if we erect a couple of suitable perches.
Meanwhile, several dragonflies were starting to show during the wildlife survey. These spend most of their lives (a number of years) as aquatic larvae, before emerging as the beautiful and efficient insect-catchers we love to see.
Wildlife is just one reason to book a stay at Redwood Valley, with most visitors coming for the tranquillity, isolation, beauty and romance. But if you are at all interested in wildlife, why not bring your binoculars too?
The spawning amphibians in our wildlife pond attracted a range of predators, including a beautiful otter. We were also pleased to capture a rare polecat, a family of foxes, a hedgehog and a pied flycatcher feeding his young.
A magical weekend
'From the compelling poster to the last wave goodbye, my experience of Redwood Valley was altogether delightful. In beautiful old woodland, with congenial hosts and a generous teacher, I had the greatest fun being there; and I made a greenwood table from start to finish – a magical weekend.'
A taste of paradise
'That wasn't camping. That was a taste of paradise. Beautiful and luxurious facilities blending into a mature, natural woodland habitat teeming with wildlife. I cannot wait to get back there.'
A place to reflect and rest
'This amazing retreat is the most idyllic and peaceful place around. Whether sat by the yurt or enjoying dinner; the only sounds are those of the birds singing and the river flowing. The beautiful surroundings are romantic and inspiring; a place to reflect and rest.'
