One of the greatest pleasures of staying at The Long Barn is immersing yourself in the surrounding nature and wildlife. A recent guest review commented on the abundant birdlife in the surrounding countryside.
Recent Sightings and Local Wildlife
During a recent North York Moors annual Turtle Dove Survey, although no Turtle Doves were sighted, we identified 40 species of birds. New birds to us included Tree Pipit, Whitethroat, Linnet, Willow Warbler, and Blackcap. The survey also recorded 3 curlews, 1 barn owl, and 7 hares. No roe deer this time which is unusual. Two endangered species, the yellowhammer and song thrush, were also observed. We’re hopeful that two new ponds in Appleton village will attract Turtle Doves in the future.
The wildlife around The Long Barn changes with the seasons, offering diverse viewing opportunities throughout the year. You might spot swifts in the courtyard, hares and roe deer on walks, or even dolphins along the coast. You may have seen news reports of the Orca spotted off the Northumberland coast. Hopefully we’ll start to see them further south off our coastline. Orca were seen off Bempton Cliffs in 2024, and there are large numbers of grey seals on the North Yorkshire coastline.
For our latest local sightings, keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
The North York Moors website is also an excellent resource, with a nature calendar and information on different wildlife habitats. Remember to pack your binoculars, warm clothing, and a camping chair to make the most of your wildlife watching.
Nature-Friendly Accreditation and Amenities
We’re proud to be Nature Friendly accredited by the North York Moors, and we are committed to helping you enjoy nature during your stay. This includes:
- Connecting you with nearby nature activities with news and updates.
- A warm boot room and cleaning area for your post-adventure needs.
- A wealth of wildlife information, including books, children’s trail maps, and links on the Long Barn Apple iPad.
- Loaner binoculars (two sets available) for your use.
- On-site bird feeders and boxes, plus a courtyard planted to attract bees and butterflies.
Rest assured, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the wildlife. With modern technology such as the free Merlin Bird app, you can enjoy identifying various bird songs. Listen for tawny and barn owls in The Long Barn courtyard, as well as other nesting birds.
You might even hear the distinctive call of a Turtle Dove – please let us know if you do!
Thank you to North York Moors for some of the photos: Barn Owl (C) Mike Nicholas , Curlew (C) Colin Carter, Family (C) Olivia Braggs
Recent Comments