Excited pupils from Newick House School, Burgess Hill; the special unit of Lady Margaret’s School, Ifield and from Manor Green Primary School had arrived to see many of the animals and birds indigenous to the British countryside.Dividing into two groups, each with their own escort from the Centre, the children from Lady Margaret’s school set off to the ‘Theatre’ to examine the fascinating life (and death) of the Vole. The remaining children went with their guide for the day, Laura, into the Barn to meet various rats and mice, and to be completely won over by a beautiful Barn Owl. How many lucky youngsters (or adults) can say they have stroked a delightfully soft Barn Owl?
As a contrast to the Owl, there was the opportunity to touch a hedgehog - which amazed everyone at how prickly it actually was!! Laura then showed them a cast off antler from a red deer, which again fascinated children and adults alike. With a pocketful of hazelnuts, Laura guided the group into a walk-through area to see the red squirrels. They ran from everywhere as they realised they were to be fed, and darted under people’s feet, along the railings and up the wire netting to reach their snack. What a sight!! As someone promptly remarked - “I could stay here all day just watching these beautiful creatures”.
After lunch the group wondered why Laura was clutching a blue bucket. The reason became clear when she climbed into the fox enclosure and was surrounded by five foxes who were soon tucking in to their lunch of chicken. Just next door were three enclosures occupied by wildcats, which she fed rather carefully, as they seemed very agile, very quick, and rather hungry. The group passed by a polecat and a mink, pausing to watch some otters have their lunch, then walking on to the jetty which extends out into the deer park.
Laura swapped her blue bucket for two large black ones filled with bread, and we knew we would soon be feeding the Red and Roe deer communities. The deer also knew that the approach of humans meant feeding time, and were soon right up against the fence. The children all took great delight in throwing the bread, some of which attracted some nearby ducks. Yet more otters to see, followed by a search in the foliage of various cages for owls of different sizes, and then, as the rain which had threatened for a while began to fall, the group returned to the shelter of the Visitors centre.
The second group of children with their guide Izzie saw the same animals and birds, and were entertained with the same degree of enthusiasm and professional knowledge as Laura had for the first group. This was an amazing outing !!! What a fascinating display of our British wildlife !!! What charming and knowledgeable hosts !!! Thank you to the British Wildlife Centre for a most interesting visit and a huge thank you to our generous sponsors who made this visit possible.
Credits:
Photography - Larry Bray Photography
