Wildlife and Nature

I've always loved birds, plants and animals, so living at Hopton House is a dream come true!

 

Signs of spring arrive early in January with masses of snowdrops underneath the hedgerows. These are quickly followed by wild primrose, catkins and daffodils, fields full of day old lambs and the sounds of hundreds of mating frogs. Towards the end of March the blackthorn blossom may start to bloom promising hedgerows heaving with sloes in the Autumn. A few weeks later the hawthorn bushes produce more masses of white flowers.

 

In spring all of our birds start looking for nesting spots. We have all of the usual garden birds but some unusual ones too - barn owls. red kites, bramblings, bullfinches and woodpeckers.

 

We know we're into summer proper when the dawn chorus wakes us at 4.00, starting with the chiff chaff's beautiful song. The swallows return to the barn and the bats flit around in the warm night air. Warmer nights allow you to sit out on the lawn at night and watch some of the clearest night skies in the country. You'll especially appreciate this in August when you can view the Perseids meteor shower.

 

At night as you drive along look out for badgers, foxes, polecats and owls in the road. Sit still long enough in our garden and you may see a stoat or a vole. Or sit by the pond and look out for baby frogs, newts or dragonflies emerging from their nymphs.

 

Autumn is glorious here in South Shropshire. The hedgerows once again come into their own full of hips, haws, damsons, blackberries and sloes. The maples provide us with some fantastic colour with the oaks being the last to change shade and lose their leaves.

 

Winter is another beautiful season. The leafless trees create stunning silhouettes against dramatic sunsets. The garden birds appreciate being fed and entertain at breakfast. Beautiful frosty mornings demand long well wrapped up walks whilst our oak framed sunroom and log fire welcome you back to enjoy what's left of the stay from inside.