After all the rain around the paths have become very water-logged and wellie boots are recommended
The badgers have been scrabbling around in the leaf litter looking for worms and fresh lining for their sett, beside the path in Ladybelt Woods. They have ventured quite far from their sett but if you watched Winterwatch on BBC, they explained this badger activity at this time of year.
A sparrowhawk has been seen regularly in the trees on the wet meadow beyond the mown grassland at the entrance to the park. Almost everyday a kestrel can be seen either sitting in the tree belt by the icehouse, or hovering over the grassland area nearby. When hovering it uses its keen eyesight to look for small mammals like voles and mice. Sparrowhawks do not hover.
The Icehouse has been carefully restored. It used to serve Ketteringham Hall and ice from the lake was taken to the chamber of the icehouse which served as a ‘refrigerator’. The ice was then taken to the Hall when required for use. Today, the Ice House is home to protected bats.
A variety of bat species has been recorded in the park area: Barbastelle, Brown long-eared, Daubeton’s, Noctule, Common Pipistrelle, Serotine, Natterer’s and Soprano Pipistrelle have been recorded around the park as part of our bat survey.
Keep an eye open for the next Bat Walk and for future events planned for 2018. These are displayed in the Noticeboard and on the East Carleton and Ketteringham Parish Council web pages: www.https://eastcarletonandketteringham-pc.gov.uk/
Volunteers carry out conservation work on the first Sunday of the month – at this time of the year.
If you would like to help, please contact Jane on 01508 570892 or email janeharris2251@gmail.com.
Safety wear and refreshments are provided and trained leaders head up the session which is usually 10:00 till 13:00 on the 1st Sunday of the month.
THANKS FOR CLEARING UP AFTER YOUR VISIT –