Award Winning Self Catering Holidays In the Derbyshire Peak District
Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
Have you ever taken part in The Big Garden Birdwatch?
If not, there is still time to join in on 28th to 30th January. All you need to do is sit back and watch the birds in your garden, local park, wood or even outside your window at work, for just one hour during the weekend and record your findings. Don't forget to use #BigGardenBirdWatch if you share your bird watch on social.
The Big Garden Birdwatch has been running for over 40 years with over half a million people taking part and gives a snapshot of bird numbers across the UK.
The scientific data collected by RSBP can be compared year and year and highlights problem areas and species in danger. For example song thrushes were in the top ten in the 1970’s but by 2019 numbers had declined by a staggering 79%. Such evidence is vital and highlights where the priorities lie and where action is needed most.
Hopefully you are already feeding the birds in your garden, particularly when the weather is cold. If not, you will be amazed how quickly you can attract birds by putting out the right sort of food.
Unsurprisingly different birds have different feeding habits and food favourites. Blackbirds, for example, mostly feed on the ground and love a range of treats including fatty nibbles and mealworms. Tits, such as Blue Tits and Great Tits, prefer to perch on a feeder, tucking in to seeds, peanuts and suet balls. Finches, including Chaffinches and Greenfinches, will use either a feeder or a bird table, and particularly like sunflower hearts.
Simply by providing a variety of food you will attract a variety of birds.
It’s important to choose good quality bird food that doesn’t include “fillers” such as dried peas and beans that birds rarely eat. As well as bird food you can put out leftovers such as small amounts of bread, fruit cake, dried fruit, unsalted nuts, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don’t put pit mouldy or salty food and avoid dried fruits if you have a dog as raisins can be toxic to them.
Make sure you keep the bird feeders clean to avoid mould and bacteria which can be very harmful, spreading infections among garden birds. Scrub them out in a bucket and not the kitchen sink, before drying them to refill.
People often forget that birds need fresh water everyday and love a bath. You can use a proper posh bird bath or a plant pot tray, or old shallow baking dish will do just as well. Don’t forget to break the ice if it freezes over.
Threats to habitat mean that it's not just birds facing tough times. Hedgehogs, frogs, dormice and other wildlife are also in trouble. So, to help give a more complete picture of garden wildlife, you can record what other animals you see in your garden as part of the Big Garden Birdwatch. Even if you don’t see anything you are helping to build up a fuller picture of how our garden wildlife is faring.
Tune in to Big Garden Birdwatch Live! Experts from across the UK will be sharing photos, footage and facts about the birds they see, as well as answering questions. Join in with the live quizzes, and fun activities throughout the weekend.
At Hoe Grange we have lots of garden birds flying around the log cabin gardens, including Goldfinches, Robins, Wrens, Great Tits, Blue Tits, House Sparrows, Starlings, Wood Pigeons and cheeky Magpies. In the summer months we have Swallows swooping in and out of the stables in the farmyard.
Sit on the decking with your binoculars and you will catch sight of other birds further up the fields, including Buzzards, Pheasants, Crows, and Little Owls that sit on the paddock fence.
Listen carefully and you can often hear a woodpecker in the small copse. Also at night as you drive up to the farm keep your eyes peeled as you will often see a Barn Owl swooping across from the wood.
Experience Peak District wildlife for yourself. Stay on holiday at Hoe Grange, breathe in the fresh air, take time out to watch the wildlife and get close up to nature!
Felicity
We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more
Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more
lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more
