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Red Squirrel Awareness Week (21st to 27th September 2020) is held every year to highlight the plight of one of our most iconic British mammals. Once a common sight throughout the UK, the red squirrel population has rapidly declined since the 1950s, with the loss of woodland habitat a contributing factor. With fewer than 40,000 remaining … Read more
A survey carried out by National Trust rangers found puffin numbers on the remote Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, are stable despite the heavy rainfall last summer. It was feared that the population would be affected after numerous burrows were flooded. At least 300 pufflings were lost after 5 inches (12cm) of rain fell … Read more
Anxious rangers on the remote Northumberland Farne Islands had feared that its puffin numbers were in decline after noticing fewer seabirds nesting last May. However, it now seems the low count was actually due to the thriving grey seal population who had inadvertently crushed puffin burrows on the outer islands, meaning more birds were nesting … Read more
The largest hibernation of pipistrelle bats in the UK has been recorded at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland. Sixty-one pipistrelle bats were found in stone crevices and in the arches of a balcony at the hall earlier this year, revealing previously unknown information about the bats’ hibernation habits. Ecologists had believed that the pipistrelle prefers … Read more
Lynx UK Trust and Wildwood Trust are working together on ambitious plans to reintroduce six Eurasian lynx to the Kielder Forest in Northumberland for a five-year trial period. An application is currently awaiting approval from the environment secretary, Michael Gove, and Natural England, although the trial is considered a near certainty after landowners who control the 20 adjoining … Read more
Kirkely Hall Zoological Gardens in Northumberland is offering budding young zoo keepers a fantastic opportunity this half term holiday. Running from Monday 12th to Friday 16th February, Zoo Club offers kids aged 5 to 15 the chance to go behind the scenes and experience zoo keeping first hand. With different animals to look after each … Read more
Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens near Newcastle in Northumberland recently welcomed a number of new arrivals to its collection. Three cheeky squirrel monkeys moved to Kirkley from Budapest Zoo and are settling in well. The brothers make a great addition to the Kirkley family and are fascinating to watch – and are just as fascinated by you! … Read more
Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens near Newcastle in Northumberland are offering a fantastic opportunity to all budding zoo keepers over the half term week. Zoo Club runs from Monday 29th May to Friday 2nd June and is suitable for two age ranges – 5 to 8 year old and 9 to 15 year olds. A whole … Read more
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