Woodland Hide
The European Pine Marten (martes martes) is a member of the mustelid family and is roughly the size of a domestic cat. This is an incredible hunter which eats anything from berries, eggs, carrion and the odd squirrel but their main diet is bugs, fruit, fungi, small mammals, amphibians, etc. Bearing in mind they, as will all animals, take whatever is seasonal.
A baby faced assassin, and when you see one you will fall in love.
Nature nuts offer the chance to see at least one of these enigmatic and elusive creatures up close at our hide.
They appear every night without fail and even sometimes in the afternoon, but it is ALL down to patience as these animals WILL appear, it’s just being lucky with timings.
Lighting at the hide is available and anyone visiting is more than welcome to give it a try to get a photo as seeing them is one thing, getting an image is another thing altogether.
Tours at present are generally limited to four people but changes can be made on request. Utter silence is required at this hide due to the animal being very wary.
Other things on offer at the hide are red squirrels, jays, woodpeckers, various wee birds such as long tailed tits and coal tits, siskin, chaffinch, nuthatch, robin, dunnock, red squirrels and maybe a buzzard or two depending on which bait is left out and if you’re really lucky a sparrowhawk or even a Goshawk.
The cost for the hide is £100 for a single occupancy, £160 for two, £210 for three then £240 for four with a max of four….. but I honestly suggest you keep the numbers as low as possible as you WILL have a better chance of seeing Marty and Martina. We also offer the hide on a session basis: from 0600-1500 it’s £80 for a single occupancy then £40pp thereafter: from 1600 it’s £80 for a single occupancy then £40pp thereafter. The hide is solely yours all day to come and go as you please. There are a few nearby walks if you need to stretch your legs and also a wee pond only 50yds or so away. This shows well for a multitude of creatures, particularly “dragons” and “damsels” through the summer months.
The walk to the hide is roughly 15yds and on a slight incline and would be accessible by most. However, viewings via sitting in a vehicle may also be achieved. Kids under 16 are welcome and are free but must be patient and accompanied by a parent.
The hide is showing extremely well at present with multiple visits by 3 or more animals but please check out my Facebook page for the most up to date pictures and updates.
I’m aware that nature is wild and creatures will appear when they want and if they want as they have their own agenda but there should be enough activity around the hide to keep you amused.