Lesser Redpoll

Meadow Pipit

Spotted Flycatcher

Total 69 species

Mammals:
Badger

Fox

Dormouse

Rabbits

Fallow Deer (we are regularly visited by a light cream herd)

Roe Deer (including a very pale almost Albino male)

Bats: (We have a DEFRA Bat Licence).
Lesser Horseshoe

Greater Horseshoe

Pipistrelle

Long Eared

Serotine

We have a County Wildlife Site:
Our wet wood has been selected as a County Wildlife Site for its mosaic of different habitats including unimproved and semi-improved natural grassland, wet grassland, wet woodlands, pond and stream. We are currently planning a suitable management for these areas and have just received a report on the site from the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The County wildlife site stretches beyond our boundary.

Great Oak Tree:

At the top of our wet wood there is an ancient pollarded oak, believed to be in excess of 500 years old. This tree has been selected as one of the Great Trees of East Devon, and is of particular note because several of the limbs can clearly be seen to have reached down to the ground. Only one remains complete and this looks to have re-rooted and risen upwards again, making this oak, called the Wiscombe Oak, a phoenix tree. We have just lost another limb from this great tree so request that it is no longer climbed under any circumstances. It has also been listed in the Ancient Tree Register. Details of the Great Trees of East Devon are available in the barns, including maps of where they are located and further details can be reached by contacting Kate Tobin, The Project Officer of the scheme on 01395 517557.

RSPB:

The family are long term members of the RSPB and were really pleased when we managed to secure a Farm Watch scheme to assess and advise on our birdlife. The report not only details birds that were spotted at Higher Wiscombe during the three day study but also advises on how to manage the habitat to best advantage. We will be combining this with advice from East Devon AONB and Devon Wildlife Trust in order to maintain the landscape here for all to enjoy.

Devon Wildlife Trust:

We joined DWT as Family members on moving to Devon and have now upgraded our membership to corporate sponsors. Each of the barns has a collection box for DWT and details of the local reserves which are numerous and free for guests to enter, donations gratefully received.

Wildlife Diary:
We maintain a wildlife diary and ask guests on their feedback forms to report any wildlife they have seen. Guests are welcome to ask this when staying at Higher Wiscombe.