It has been a beautiful summer here at Rural Roosts, enjoyed by many new and returning guests. At this time of year, the farm is bustling with wildlife also enjoying the last of the seasons warmth.

We have an abundance of farm walks allowing guests to catch a glimpse of the wildlife on your doorstep, whether that be a wander through the woodlands to spot the green woodpecker and curious foxes, or a stroll around the reservoir and lakes with the wading birds. The starlings can often be spotted at the reservoir making quite a show as they fly in and out of the long reeds creating beautiful murmurations. Taking a walk a dusk, you will hear the Tawny Owls in the trees, and you may be lucky enough to spot the Barn Owls out hunting who are currently nesting in Barn Owl Lodge. It is such a beautiful sight to see them soaring across the horizon on a long summer’s evening! There has also been a resident roe deer and fawn over the past month or so who like to wander through the open fields and woodlands at dawn and dusk. For the avid bird watcher, we also have a bird hide here at Rural Roosts where guests have spotted many magnificent species. You certainly don’t have to go far to feel totally immersed in nature, the mature trees surrounding the lodges have attracted a variety of birds such as blue tits, goldfinch, kingfishers and pied wagtails you can spot whilst relaxing on your lodge decking. We love to hear of all of the wildlife guests have spotted during their stay, so this summer have reintroduced our ‘wildlife log’ books in each lodge. Guests have recorded spotting everything from herons, house martins and holly blue butterfly, to green snakes, muntjac deer and hares prancing through the wildflower fields. A recent guest captured a few stunning photographs of the wildlife they saw during their stay, which can be viewed on our Gallery page.

We look forward to watching how the seasons change on the farm as we move into September, and hope to welcome you to our self-catering pine lodges soon.