Barnharrow Holiday Pods

Barnharrow Holiday Pods are located on our 100-acre farm. So, it will probably come as no surprise that you’ll be sharing the space with some of the local wildlife. Certain creatures may be more apparent than others, but here’s the lowdown of some animals and birds you may come across during your stay.

Red Deer

If you’ve ever seen The Monarch of the Glen, Sir Edwin Landseer’s painting of a stag, you’ll know that Scotland is synonymous with red deer. The largest wild mammal in Scotland, there is a very healthy population of red deer all over – some even live incredibly close to towns and cities. We’ve always got a few roaming around – they graze on grasses so the overgrown field near the pods is a favourite haunt. They do quite like to hide, so you may only get a glimpse!

Foxes

Wherever you live, you’ve quite probably encountered a fox – they’ve perfectly adapted to urban living and can be quite brazen, trotting across roads and through gardens in broad daylight. But there’s no doubt that they are beautiful animals, with their red fur and brush-like tail, and out in the sticks, as we are, in their natural environment they look even better. Foxes breed in December and January, which is when you might hear a slightly alarming scream late at night. Cubs are born in the spring – catch sight of a family of foxes at play and you’ll definitely have a smile on your face.

Red squirrels

Grey squirrels may rule the roost in England and Wales, but red squirrels are prevalent in Scotland. The red squirrel is a protected species and the focus of conservation initiatives – the biggest threat is disease carried by grey squirrels, along with the reduction of woodland, the red squirrel’s natural habitat. The woodland on our farm provides an ideal home for red squirrels, so if you go out for a walk, do watch for sudden movement – you may spot one scuttling over the ground or pelting up a tree trunk. They are wonderful to see!

Badgers

Badgers live in groups of 4-6 adults and we know that there are several badger setts in the nearby vicinity. However, because they are nocturnal and very shy creatures, it is rare to see one. But you may at least see signs of badger activity – paw prints in mud are an obvious sign and the prints are distinctive for their long claw marks. If you’re travelling back to the pods late in the evening, please watch out for badgers that may be out on the road – we have occasionally caught sight of them in the car headlights.

Red kites

Extinct in Scotland in the 19^th century, the red kite has been successfully reintroduced and no longer considered an endangered species. It is a joy to see a red kite soaring in the sky. It has angled wings and an arrow-shaped tail, which helps with identification. You may also be able to see the distinctive white feathers on the underside of the wings. Interesting fact: this stunning bird of prey has a wingspan of up to six feet!

Buzzards

Buzzards are a common sight in this part of the world, frequenting woodland, arable and pasture land. Watching a buzzard hunt, the way they’ll hang on the wind before dropping at speed to catch its prey, is impressive. But you’re just as likely to see them perched on a fence post – in some areas buzzards are known as the tourists’ eagles, maybe because they look like they’re just watching the world go by!

Keep your eyes peeled during your stay, you never know what you may see!