Giant Moose let loose in the Wildwood

Giant Moose let loose in the Wildwood

The first of two European elk - known as moose in North America – have been let loose in two large woodland enclosures at the Canterbury based wildlife charity last night, September 10^th 2013

The young female will grow up to an impressive height of  8ft (2.5m) and weigh over three quarters of a tonne.

Peter Smith, Chief Executive of the Wildwood Trust charity, said yesterday.

"It's great to see these majestic beast roaming in Wildwood after a break in the UK of over 3000 years. They are joining our wolves, bison, wild boar, beavers and lynx helping to complete the wildwood collection, eventually representing all of our formally native species."

"Our mission is larger than teaching visitors and school children about our amazing natural heritage; we are working on restoring some of these animals to the wild. Our charitable vision is to rewild Britain and create natural landscapes, brim full of wildlife for our future generation, and in the process save taxpayers millions in tax breaks and subsidies."

"Rewilding works by having large formally native animals on nature reserves, their grazing, munching and digging then create the conditions for a cascade of other wildlife to share the habitat with them. Animals like the elk and beaver hold the key to saving species such as the rare water vole which have, in reports last week, suffered a further catastrophic decline in numbers. Beavers and elk help create rich riverbank and wetland habitat that serve as an ideal habitat for water voles as well as a range of threatened fish, insect, birds and plants."

 "While we have no plans as yet to reintroduce the elk to the wild, as they are potentially dangerous to humans, we are working on major projects to restore beaver to the UK, and hope one day top create the space for Britain to once again have elk in the wild."

The young Elk cow, will be named by popular vote on the Wildwood Trust Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/thewildwoodtrust?ref=hl

She will be joined by a young bull Elk next week and it is hoped that romance will blossom and continue the line of these wonderful animals.

Elk are immensely strong but visitors can see her protected by special 10ft electric fence.  Elk are just one of the many animals of Britain's past and present that can be seen at the award winning Canterbury based charity.

Wildwood is an ideal day out for all the family where you can experience the amazing world of British Wildlife and its conservation. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury. For more information visit our website at www.wildwoodtrust.org or telephone 01227 712 111.

 ********ends***************

Form more information contact Peter Smith, 01227 712111,

Elk facts:

1.       Size – up to 8ft tall

2.       Weigh up to 800Kg, the biggest of all the deer species

3.       The Elk's massive antlers weigh up to 20kg and are considered the fastest growing animal tissue, developing in only 3 months. The extinct Irish elk had even bigger antlers at over 15ft across

4.       They can run at over 35 miles per hour, but prefer jogging at around 6mph.

5.       They have poor eyesight and are colour blind, but have excellent night vision

6.       Elk are browsers and not grazers and play an import role in the ecology of riverbanks and wetlands

7.       Despite their size elk often fall prey to wolves and bears. But it was man that nearly hunted these animals to extinction. Elk, along with many other wild animals, are now retuning from Eastern Europe and have been sighted living wild in Germany.

Wildwood Trust

Herne Common

Herne Bay

Kent

CT6 7LQ

Registered Charity No 1093702

 

Saxon weekend & new events at Wildwood

 
Wildwood Events Sept - October 2013

 

Saxon re-enactment - this weekend at Wildwood!

 

Saxon re-enactment - 14th & 15th September

 

Wildwood is getting ready to face a Saxon invasion this weekend when Regia Anglorum, one of Britain's best Saxon re-enactment groups will be at the park on the 14th & 15th of September for their annual Saxon re-enactment weekend. Visitors will be able to step back in time and visit Wychurst, the group's authentic Saxon Burgh (village) nestled in the depths of the forest at Wildwood and experience how our Saxon ancestors lived circa 1000AD.

 

Wychurst - literally meaning "the village in the wood" - is a Saxon Manorial Burgh, reconstructed by Regia Anglorum according to the best available evidence. The group have spared no trouble or expense to ensure that the site and its environs are as close to the original as possible. The Burgh features a spectacular Longhall along with other buildings and is exactly the kind of place to which local people would have retreated when the Vikings sacked the city of Canterbury over a thousand years ago. For visitors that came to the site in June, you will find a lot of changes, including, newly erected front gates, increased wall paintings, more work on the amazing embroidery, in fact the only thing that hasn't changed is the determination of the Saxons to defy the invaders!

 

The site will be open to visitors from on 14th & 15th September from 10.00am to 4.30pm.

 

All day long you'll be able to see people working at crafts and pursuing high status activities like embroidery. There will be unannounced dramatic interludes, so you'll need to keep your wits about you to decide what's real, what's not, who is in charge and who is the scapegoat!

 

All will be revealed at 3.00pm when the cruel Norman landlord turns up to demand even higher taxes. Don't be late! You need to be on site and settled by 2.45pm or risk missing the bloodthirsty battle and violent demise of several uncouth and licentious soldiery!

 

Costs
There is no need to book, come along at any time. Entry to Wychurst will be £3.00 for 14yrs and over (under 14yrs free). All under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Wildwood entry fees or membership must also be paid to be allowed access to the event.

Click here to visit the Regia Anglorum website

 

Wildwood Events: September & October 2013

 

Saturday 14th September - Introduction to Spider Ecology & Identification
Learn how to identify spiders and understand their role in the ecosystem. Time will be spent out in the field finding spiders in their natural habitats and discussing their conservation.
10am - 4pm. £30 per person.
Please book with Suzanne Kynaston on 01227 711 471 or email courses@wildwoodtrust.org

Saturday 21st September - Spiders Day
Discover the secret lives of our tiny eight legged neighbours in our 2-part spider day. Go on a spider hunt through the woods in the morning and then spend the afternoon making spider crafts with our Natural Heritage Officer, Steve Kirk. 
11am - 4pm.  £3 per person*, one adult free per family.

Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

 

Tuesday 24th September - Photo Day
A day of wildlife photography around the park with tuition from our resident photographer. Enjoy special access around Wildwood with  feeds to help you get close-up shots. Suitable for all levels and abilities. Gift vouchers also available.
10am - 4pm. £79 per person. Min age 18yrs.

Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

Saturday 28th September - Animal Homes & Feeders
Give the animals that live in your garden a helping hand over the winter with our family craft event. Make small animal homes, shelters and feeders to take home and learn about the wildlife that might be hiding in your garden.
2pm - 3.30pm.  £3 per person*, one adult free per family.

Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

Saturday 28th September – Small Mammal Survey Skills

In partnership with Kent Mammal Group (KMG)

Learn how to survey our smallest mammals using live traps. Includes handling and identification.

9.30am – 4.30pm. £30 per person. Book together with Kent Mammal ID Course (23rd Nov or 1st Feb) for £50.

Please book with Suzanne Kynaston on 01227 711 471 or emailcourses@wildwoodtrust.org

 

Saturday 5th October – Harvest Mouse Ecology & Surveying

A course on the key factors affecting the status and distribution of harvest mice in the UK. You will have the chance to examine harvest mouse nests and gain practical surveying experience.

10.00am - 4.00pm. £30 per person.

Please book with Suzanne Kynaston on 01227 711 471 or emailcourses@wildwoodtrust.org

 

Saturday 12th October – Water Vole Ecology & Surveying

In partnership with the Mammal Society

A course covering water vole field signs, habitat requirements, ecology, legal protection and threats. Participants will view captive water voles and handle/sex them under supervision.

9.30am – 4.30pm. From £99 per person.

Please book with the Mammal Society on 023 8023 7874 or www.mammal.org.uk

 

Sunday 13th October – Wolves Workshop 1: Life in the Pack

The first of two wolf workshops. This one looks at the wolf pack, how wolves communicate and conservation efforts to restore them back to their former range. Includes a visit to see Wildwood's European wolves.

10.30am - 4pm. £35 per person (£50 when booked with Wolves 2 on Oct 27). Min age 12yrs.

Please book with Suzanne Kynaston on 01227 711 471 or emailcourses@wildwoodtrust.org

 

Sunday 13th October – Marine Mammals

An introduction to the seals and cetaceans found in and around the coast of Southern England. Ecology and identification of these animals will be explored, followed by a seal-watching trip.

1.00pm – 6.30pm £45 per person. Held at Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory.

Please book with Suzanne Kynaston on 01227 711 471 or emailcourses@wildwoodtrust.org

 

Saturday 19th October – Fungal Foray

Join Natural Heritage Officer Steve Kirk for a woodland walk to discover some of the top autumn mushrooms and toadstools found around Wildwood.

10.30am - 1pm or 2pm - 4.30pm. £3 per person*. Min age 7yrs.

Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

Sunday 20th October – Hunter's Moon Night Tour

See our animals under the moonlight on a guided night tour to coincide with the full moon.

6.30pm - 9pm. £25 per person inc. meal. Min age 10yrs.

Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

Saturday 26th October – Fungi Ecology & Identification

An introduction to fungi identification and their importance in the ecosystem. Includes microscopic examination and a woodland forest foray to find fungi in their natural habitats.

10.00am – 4.00pm £30 per person. Subject to season.

Please book with Suzanne Kynaston on 01227 711 471 or emailcourses@wildwoodtrust.org

 

Sunday 27th October – Wolves Workshop 2: The Wolf in Your Dog

The second of our wolf workshops. Understand how your dog's behaviour is an echo of his wild wolf ancestry with dog trainer Dave Butcher and wolf expert Anne Riddell. It will include a visit to see Wildwood's own European wolves.

10.30am - 4pm. £35 per person (book together with Wolves 1 on Oct 13 for £50) . Min age 12yrs.

Please book with Suzanne Kynaston on 01227 711 471 or emailcourses@wildwoodtrust.org

 

October Half Term! Saturday 26 Oct 26 – Sunday Nov 3

 

Sunday 27th October – Fairy Crafts

Come dressed as a fairy, imp, goblin or other magical creature (there will be prizes for the most imaginative costumes), have your face painted and make a fairy wand, crown and scroll of wishes to post in the fairy postbox.

2pm - 3.30pm. Costumes judged at 3pm. £2 per person*, one adult free per group.

Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

Monday 28th October & Tuesday 29th October – Creepy Crawlies

Meet some of the animals that send shivers down your spine! Get in the hallowe'en mood with spiders, snakes and giant centipedes then make spooky spider crafts to take home.

2pm - 3.30pm daily. £3 per person*, one adult free per group.

Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

Tuesday 29th October – Photo Day

A day of wildlife photography around the park with tuition from our resident photographer. Enjoy special access around Wildwood with  feeds to help you get close-up shots. Suitable for all levels and abilities.  Gift vouchers also available.
9am - 4pm. £79 per person. Min age 18yrs. Must book.
Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

Wednesday 30th October & Thursday 31st October – Hallowe'en Crafts

Get ready for the annual fright-fest and make spooky crafts including black cats, bats,

spiders, rats and witches to decorate your home for Hallowe'en!

10.30am - 12pm or 2pm - 3.30pm daily. £3 per person*, one adult free per group.

Please book with the Wildwood office on 01227 712 111.

*Please note membership or entry fees apply for all events (excludes conservation courses, photo days and night tours)

Wildwood Trust
Herne Common
Herne Bay
Kent
CT6 7LQ

www.wildwoodtrust.org
Tel: 01227 712 111

Registered charity no 1093702

 

An Introduction to Spider Ecology and Identification

Wildwood Conservation Courses


An Introduction to Spider Ecology and Identification

Learn how to identify British spiders and understand their role in the ecosystem. Discover how to assign spiders to families and find out about Britain’s most venomous genera. Collect your own live specimens in the field using an innovative technique and observe them under the microscope back in the classroom. Time will also be spent learning about web morphology. The course is run by our expert field biologist, Steve Kirk.

When: Saturday 14th September from 10am to 4pm
Where: The Wildwood Trust, Herne Common, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 7LQ
Cost: £30 per person

To book or for more information please email:
courses@wildwoodtrust.org
telephone 01227 711471
or visit the conservation courses page on our website.
http://www.wildwoodtrust.org/conservationcourses.html