Wildlife at Coppet Hill

Brilliant Birdlife

2025 saw the introduction of bird ringing and monitoring on the farm. With the help of the wonderful Luke, we have ringing over 1000 birds on the farm this year.

Here are is a report from Luke from November 2025

"Some classic stormy Autumn weather has kicked in which has seen the bird ringing on the farm come to a bit of a halt as we are now at the end of the migration season. But even just last weekend there were still Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs moving through the farm feasting on the remaining insects. A late Blackcap showed up which was a bit of a surprise since none have been seen for a week or two. Also some large flocks of Redwings were moving through and occasionally stopping to feast on Hawthorn berries and some were also ringed which was great! Who knows where they might end up as they tour Europe all Winter before heading back to Scandinavia next Spring. Another species that’s been passing through in larger numbers this year is the Redpoll. Although not the huge numbers seen further north in the UK, we’ve certainly had our fair share. We’ll keep an eye out for them feeding in Alder trees throughout the Winter. Although not rarities, a Treecreeper and a Nuthatch were ringed at the weekend. It’s the third Treecreeper ringed this year on the farm and the first Nuthatch. As we get towards the end of the year, we’ll now look back at all the ringing that’s taken place during the migration season and see what we can learn from it. We’ll report back soon!"

Some of the birds we have ringed in 2025

What else you might spot...

Other Birdlife

Kestrels and two pairs of barn owl nesting on the farm!

Raptors:
hobby, sparrowhawk, buzzard, kestrel, peregrine, barn owl, tawny owl

Summer specials:
whitethroat & lesser whitethroat, spotted flycatcher, blackcap, garden warbler, chiffchaff, willow warbler, grasshopper warbler, swallow, house martin

In the woods:
nuthatch, treecreeper, jay, woodcock, great spotted woodpecker, coal tit, goldcrest, tawny owl, stock dove

On the hills:
meadow pipit, wheatear, yellowhammer, linnet

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Marvellous Mammals

There are two badger setts and a foxes den on the farm, plus several families of deer. Stoats and weasels are occasionally sighted (particularly on our camera traps) and our most elusive residents are polecats.

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Moth Club

Throughout the summer holidays, we'll be seeing how many moth species we can catch in our moth trap. Join us in the barn to see what's there - and maybe you'll get a chance to hold a majestic Poplar Hawk Moth!

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Pond Dipping

We have lots of wildlife ponds on the farm for you to explore. Meet some weird and wonderful insects, baby frogs and toads, and keep an eye out for dragonflies.

Plant Life

We have nearly 200 plant species on the farm - from carpets of primroses, bluebells and wild garlic in the spring, to colourful meadow flowers such as lady's smock, knapweed and bird's-foot trefoil. We're looking for volunteers to carry out plant surveys, and would love to hear from any keen botanists!

Farming With Nature

We're working hard to improve our wildlife habitats and to encourage biodiversity on the farm. In 2021, we said farewell to our dairy herd, which means we'll be able to allow more space for nature. We'll be exploring regenerative grazing, giving our natural grasses a chance to flourish, leaving areas of rough grassland to encourage mice and voles (and, in turn, barn owls and kestrels), and planting fields to provide overwinter food and shelter for birds.

It's the beginning of a very exciting journey for us, and if you'd like to get involved - carrying out plant or bird surveys, helping with conservation work, or building nest boxes - then please do get in touch!