The
Old Pig Barn
Local Wildlife
The Old Pig Barn sits in 4 acres of natural Norfolk countryside. Andy and Janet, the owners of the Homestead, are actively managing the site to provide the best possible environment for the local wildlife. Our guests in the Old Pig Barn are welcome to enjoy the wildlife haven during their stay and access is clearly marked.
The
Lake The Mill Road Fishery is not just a popular day ticket
fishery, it is part of an ongoing project to provide a first class fishery in a
natural, sustainable environment. The fishing has sensible rules to
protect the fish stock and allow the development of a wide variety of wildlife.
During the short few years that the lake has been allowed to develop naturally
we have seen a huge increase in birdlife, insects, plants and trees.
We have planted hundreds of native trees including willow, alder, hazel, lime as well as fruit trees such as bird cherry and wild plum.
Birdlife
We have seen a huge range of birds on and over our land. Our species list
is now approaching 50 different birds. As well as the expected birds we
have resident Goldfinches, Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, Heron and many others.
We have been lucky enough to have Common Snipe under the bird feeders, a pair of
nesting Kestrels, a Marsh Harrier and a Bran Owl. This picture of the Barn
Owl was taken in December 2010 after we had watched it for over an hour hunting
along the bankside of the frozen lake. Other species to look out for
include Whitethroat, Brambling, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Sparrowhawk and
Woodpeckers. In winter the surrounding fields are full of Pink Feet Geese
and Lapwings.
Others Visitors to the Old Pig Barn may be rewarded with a close encounter with many other examples of Norfolk wildlife. The Roe Deer can be seen wandering around the gardens. The quiet observer may see the Fox creeping around, or the less commonly seen Stoat. At the lake the holes on the islands are the homes for our Water Voles which will often be seen swimming to the mainland! If you want to see an otter, you will need to be outside the special otter proof fencing which protects our fish stocks. The otter family commute from the River Bure via the dykes which criss cross the fields. There is an abundance of insect life, encouraged by our natural management of the land. This includes dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and many, many varieties of bees. Much of the land is cut only once a year to allow the right conditions to encourage the field vole (main diet for the Barn Owl).
