Never under estimate an otter – this one attacked two foxes, a lone fox in the early hours and then both foxes later the same evening The otters eyes visible in the water just before the second attack. Meanwhile she takes her kits for swimming lessons back near her holt. Three kits counted so far.
The European Otter, this rare but widespread species is quite at home in the brook beside the vineyard, living in families as shown in these captures over the last couple of years and are being more frequently seen recently.
The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish such as trout (as seen in the top right picture!), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Otters have their kits in underground burrows, known as ‘holts’. Lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have webbed feet, dense fur to keep them warm, and can close their ears and nose when underwater. They require clean rivers, with an abundant source of food and plenty of vegetation to hide their secluded holts.
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, listed as Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework, European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive. Now found throughout the country but absent from parts of central and southern England, the Isle of Man, the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands.
Nine years ago to this day we moved to the vineyard and what a roller coaster it has been. Aside from the number one focus of nurturing the vines to create the wines, there have been other developments going on. From clearing several skip-worths of debris from around the land to planting vines, trees and other plants to seeing through nine harvests, it has been a challenge to say the least. On the inside there has been activity too; outbuildings, including a shop, store room and rest-room have been created/renovated, the cottage next to the house has been renovated and a meeting/tasting room has been created. And then there was the installation of a frost-protection system for the vines, which took a good deal of work and design to get right, but has solved the perpetual frost issue. We erected a thatched hut and carved out a woodland walk and excavated land to enlarge a pond. Great to have local skill from Philippe and Biaggio (vines, trees), Luke (trees), Bob (land) Pete, Andy, Rob, Barry (buildings) and Karen (Drapes) to make it all possible. For the coming year there are other developments…no rest for the wicked.
We didn’t think he was serious when our 15 year old said he was going to make a hive and get some bees and here we are with the first jar of honey – yummy. Although the vines self-pollentate, a little bee action can do no harm. The hive is at the side of the new wild flower meadow area (not many wild flowers yet!) so they have plenty to be getting on with.
The recent storm left a trail of fallen trees in its wake on Allins Lane and around the vineyard.
Some of the creatures roaming around the woodland at the edge of the vineyard are shared here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0eXzW55r2824XNSjiCnz_g – on the new youtube channel. Subscribe for periodical snippets of furry, feathery and hairy creatures of our vicinity.
Reading about our ‘click and collect’ service to buy wine! It’s so simple – see the ‘our wines’ section if you would like to make a purchase using a secure link and collect wine at your convenience – no contact at all.
While the vines are starting to flourish once more after the brutal frost last month, there is a lot going on at the edge on the vineyard. So far spotted: great spotted woodpeckers, green woodpeckers, Eurasian jays, red kites, buzzards, pheasants, lovely white doves nesting and a host of other birds, rabbits, squirrels, badgers, moles, voles, muntjac and roe deer, foxes (and cubs)…..recordings on the Hendred vineyard facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/hendredvineyard/posts/?ref=page_internal
