Jedforest Deer and Farm Park
You'll find the area's best walks and nature experiences at this deer and farm park. Approximately 32 hectares (79 acres) of this 405-hectare (1,000-acre) farm are open to the public and dotted with unusual species of pigs, chickens, and especially deer. Owner Marion Armitage prides herself on her herds of red fallow and Asian Sitka deer (bred for food), which nuzzle or flee from visitors. You can buy a bag of special deer food for 30p and follow one of the two trails along the softly undulating, partially forested terrain. The trail marked with brown signposts requires 30 minutes; the trail marked with green signposts takes an hour. Each is peppered with signs explaining the flora and fauna you'll see en route.
An unusual side attraction in the park is Diana Durman-Walters and her Birds of Prey Experience. The staff members exercise the owls, buzzards, eagles, hawks, and falcons at periodic intervals every day, feeding them raw rabbit meat or chicken -- but not so much that they lose their incentive to catch rats, rabbits, and field mice during their exercise regimens. If the art of falconry interests you, you can participate in a half-day Hawk Walk for £50 or a full-day Hawk Walk for £75. Participation requires a reservation (call the number listed) and is limited to no more than six people. Wear sturdy walking shoes and sensible clothing that won't wilt in a rain shower. If you're willing, you can handle one of these temperamental birds and experience the way it returns to the glove after spotting, catching, and killing a rodent or rabbit.
You'll find the area's best walks and nature experiences at this deer and farm park. Approximately 32 hectares (79 acres) of this 405-hectare (1,000-acre) farm are open to the public and dotted with unusual species of pigs, chickens, and especially deer. Owner Marion Armitage prides herself on her herds of red fallow and Asian Sitka deer (bred for food), which nuzzle or flee from visitors. You can buy a bag of special deer food for 30p and follow one of the two trails along the softly undulating, partially forested terrain. The trail marked with brown signposts requires 30 minutes; the trail marked with green signposts takes an hour. Each is peppered with signs explaining the flora and fauna you'll see en route.
An unusual side attraction in the park is Diana Durman-Walters and her Birds of Prey Experience. The staff members exercise the owls, buzzards, eagles, hawks, and falcons at periodic intervals every day, feeding them raw rabbit meat or chicken -- but not so much that they lose their incentive to catch rats, rabbits, and field mice during their exercise regimens. If the art of falconry interests you, you can participate in a half-day Hawk Walk for £50 or a full-day Hawk Walk for £75. Participation requires a reservation (call the number listed) and is limited to no more than six people. Wear sturdy walking shoes and sensible clothing that won't wilt in a rain shower. If you're willing, you can handle one of these temperamental birds and experience the way it returns to the glove after spotting, catching, and killing a rodent or rabbit.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
