Today, I went to a reserve which is new to me. I have heard an awful lot about this spectacular habitat and of the wonderful otter sightings.
It is of course Staveley.
Once at the reserve, my friends and I were far from sceptical. We knew this wildlife paradise would have alot in store for us so from the car, we basically ran like children in a sweet shop.
The map was certainly handy to look at before venturing forth!
Instantly, we were greeted by a lush field of Oxeye daisy's.
It was incredible!
Down another path we went, where like minded people warned us about tiny frogs...
And tiny they were!
Though, instead of froglets, we thought they may have been toadlets!
Reaching the first hide overlooking the East Lagoon, we sat down in what was essentially a small box.
Quiet and intimate, we waited hopefully for an otter to appear.
Though the image looks bare, deep in the reeds and skimming the surface of the water, was an abundance of wildlife. Patience is a virtue and it certainly was at this hide!
Unfortunately, the otters never showed. Perhaps they were dozing in the long grass on the other side of the bank.
Following the path round, introduced us to yet more wild flowers.
One of these flowers was this wonderful orchid.
Reaching Carr Top Farm, we walked parallel to the fields of barley...
...and the field of wheat.
Walking over the Rive Tutt back onto the reserve, I discovered this hairy fellow...
Not entirely sure what he or she is so if you know, please let me know!
On the left side of the West Lagoon, is this Wildlife Observation Point.
Overlooking West Pastures and West Lagoon itself, this view point is on the perfect spot.
Under the tree's, an array of flying insects engulfed each blossoming plant.
Which included this yellow barred long horn moth.
I only know that from Springwatch Live with Brett Westwood on the red button and online!
Alongside this fly...
Yes it looks like a bumblebee but it has evolved to do so to prevent predators from eating it.
How clever and thank you Brett!
Finally reaching this magnificent hide, we soon realised how the outside, was nothing to the inside!
This spacious hide is perfect for school or large grouped outings and as it is made from straw, it will be super cosy during the winter months!
Whilst having lunch,
mmm bagel...
We enjoyed the views this hide had to offer.
Which also included gaggling geese and riveting rabbits!
We also saw a Barn Owl fly into it's nest box. We assumed it was the female as it did not emerge again whilst we were in that hide.
Our last point of this wonderful walk was a view point overlooking the hay meadow I mentioned at the start of this post.
But this view point, you were truly engulfed in a sea of Oxeye daisy's.
Why would you want to be anywhere else?!
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