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27 March 2015
As part of the Harewood biomass project, power will be switched off in the Visitor Services office intermittently throughout the day. This will mean that we are unable to receive phone calls or answer emails.
If you are unable to reach us via phone, please email info@harewood.org. Once power is restored, we will respond as soon as possible.
Apologies for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Harewood Visitor Services Team.
One of the most exciting developments at this year’s CLA Game Fair, to be held at Harewood House in Yorkshire from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August, is the all-new kayak experience area.
Recreational kayaking is a rapidly growing sport worldwide and especially so in the UK, where opportunities exist in river, lake and sea. The CLA Game Fair has partnered with GUL Watersports and Channel Kayaks, an innovative and forward-thinking company at the forefront of kayak design.
Their qualified staff will offer a, 30-minute kayak experience where visitors can actually try this fascinating sport for themselves, in total safety and under expert tuition.
CLA Game Fair’s Head of Fishing, Chris Ogborne, said: “As with all sports, the only way to truly sample its delights is to actually have a go, and kayaking is no exception. Visitors can actually try the craft on site and get help in choosing the right kayak, paddle, clothing and buoyancy aid – even the right roof rack for the car. The kayak experience area at the CLA Game Fair will provide a unique insight into this amazing sport.”
For those wishing to sample the kayaking, wetsuits and changing areas will be provided and fully trained experts will be on hand to supervise the whole area. Safety advice will be provided by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) who will also have their water safety education unit located at the waterside.
In addition to the kayaks, there will be a whole range of gear and clothing on display and for sale, including apparel from GUL Watersports and safety equipment. As well as launching some brand new kayak designs at the event, Channel Kayaks is also conducting a daily auction in aid of RNLI funds.
Under 16s are free-of-charge and adults will be asked to contribute a suggested £5 donation to the RNLI.
For more information, visit: www.gamefair.co.uk
The campsite at this year’s CLA Game Fair is just a stone’s throw away from the showground. Situated just 200m from one of the main entrances, visitors can access the site in minutes by walking or take a short tractor and trailer ride.
The three-day show, which is being held at Harewood House in Yorkshire from Friday 31 July until Sunday 2 August, has also launched a limited number of new single tent plots making it less expensive for visitors with small parties. These 7x7m pitches will accommodate one tent, one vehicle and a maximum of four people. The standard 10x10m caravan pitches are also available and can accommodate one caravan/motor home, a vehicle and a maximum of six people. Prices for standard pitches will be held at 2014 rates for bookings made before Thursday 30 April.
Campsite facilities include large, luxury toilet and shower blocks, a well-stocked shop, bar and catering, all of which will be open from lunchtime on Wednesday 29 July until the morning of Monday 3 August.
The first 200 campsite bookings will be entered into a free draw to win the use of a Honeybells Tents and Events luxury bell tent for four people for the duration of the show. Honeybells is also offering a variety of tent hire options at the campsite for those wanting a luxury ‘glamping’ experience. Users of the campsite are also invited to use the exclusive CLA Members’ Enclosure on the Sunday of the event, where they can buy a full English breakfast, Sunday lunch and drinks.
To book, campers must either phone the hotline on 01883 717 922 and pay by credit/debit card or complete an application form and send it with a cheque to the Campsite Booking office.
Tony Wall, Director of the CLA Game Fair, commented: “The fact that the Campsite is just moments from the show will undoubtedly make it extremely popular so ensure you book early as places are limited.”
To download the campsite application form see:
5 March 2015
Throughout winter, our Keepers have been busy landscaping every enclosure and aviary so they are tailored to the individual species that reside there. Twice a year, our team use several tons of sand, gravel and woodchip as well as hundreds of metres of turf to create ideal habitats. The perches are replaced, nest boxes are cleaned out and indoor areas painted.
Outside the aviaries, all the Bird Garden footpaths, aviary walls, fences, benches and signs have been jet-washed and the fences, aviaries and sheds have been protected with over 100 litres of paint by staff and volunteers.
When we reopen in April, the most noticeable changes will be seen in the landscaping that has taken place. The original Bird Garden planting scheme was designed in 1969; many conifer hedges and juniper bushes were planted to cover fences and provide wind shelter for the birds. These had become overgrown, blocking light to the aviaries and surrounding areas. There is now a light, airy feel, with enclosures such as the African Grassland being reclaimed from the dense planting.
Importantly, wonderful lakeside views, which had almost disappeared, can now be enjoyed. You will be able to stand alongside the Flamingos and gaze across the Lake at the surrounding landscapes and enjoy native wildlife as originally intended.
To encourage our native species, we are introducing brand new, bird feeding stations inside the Bird Garden to add to the existing popular lakeside feeders which have seen Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and several species of Tits and Finches as regular visitors.
The new Bird Garden feeders, are designed to encourage lakeside species such as Cormorants, Herons, Little and Crested Grebes, Kingfishers as well as seasonal birds such as Goosanders and Golden Eyes. Permanent residents including Mute Swans, Large and Small Glebe and Dippers will also benefit from the improvements. The new feeding areas will include perches, dedicated bird and drinking facilities with bird bathes with a view down to the Flamingos from a seating area.
The incubation and rearing rooms, which are housed away from the busy public areas, have been given a spring clean and the equipment checked ready for the breeding season. The incubators and brooder boxes have been switched on, and are now ready to be used when needed. Watch this space for news!
Even with the mild winter weather, some of our less hardy birds have been brought into heated indoor accommodation. Some of the Finches, our Maroon-Bellied Conures and “Freddy” the White Fronted Amazon, are some of the birds enjoying their winter holidays indoors. Located next to the Keepers’ offices, it can get quite loud with the chattering and calling from these often noisy guests. Several of the birds are good mimics, and have a repertoire of phrases and calls they often repeat.
One of a pair of snowy owls at Harewood
For some of the hardier birds, the team have collected oak leaves and pine tree needles to landscape enclosures. The foliage is spread out on the aviary floors to create a soft surface for the Snowy Owls, Tragopan Pheasant and Chilean Flamingos. Tannin from the leaves also helps to protect the skin on the bird’s feet over winter.
Conservation and Protection of Rare Birds
Many of Harewood’s rare and endangered species are part of managed breeding programmes. It’s an important role, which ensures that populations close to extinction in the wild are sustained, whilst maintaining genetic diversity.
As part of this ongoing conservation work, we’ve collaborated with Paignton Zoo. They have sent a young male to pair up with our single, Red-Legged Seriema female, “Ethel”. Ethel’s new boyfriend has passed quarantine tests and has been given a clean bill of health. He will be introduced to Ethel before we open in April. As he’s settled in, he’s started to grow a long mane of feathers, typical for a male Seriema, and can now be heard calling out from his aviary searching for a mate.
The nearest relative of the Humbolt Penguin are the African Penguin, the Magellanic Penguin and the Galápagos Penguin.
The Humboldt Penguins are starting to claim nest burrows that are not already occupied, with some couples trying out several nests before they decide. One of our older pairs, Otto and Mr Otto had previously separated (the equivalent of a penguin divorce!), have now paired back up. As their romance blossoms, they are getting ready for the breeding season by guarding their house from other would be squatters.
We have also rehomed a young female penguin to another breeding zoo. She is settling down and has paired up already which is great news to hear.
The chance of feeding the Humboldt penguins with the Keepers, on a one to one basis, is the best way to get close to these inquisitive birds for a personalised close up experience.
Organisations, businesses and individuals are being encouraged to enter teams for the 2015 Countryside Clay Shoot, organised by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the CLA Game Fair.
The annual charity clay shoot, which is being held on Six Mile Bottom estate in Cambridgeshire on Saturday 23 May 2015, will raise money for the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT) and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).
Teams of four will compete across six stands with a mix of simulated game targets. Entry costs £600 per team, which is £150 per person and will include hospitality.
The winning team will receive the Hugh van Cutsem Challenge Cup, dedicated to the memory of the keen shot and countryman, which will be presented by Emilie van Cutsem.
Steve Bloomfield, BASC England director, said: “This popular annual event is a way for everyone who shoots to support the two charities and raise funds. I would urge you to enter a team at the earliest opportunity.”
Tony Wall, Director of the CLA Game Fair, added: “We are thrilled to be hosting this esteemed event alongside BASC for very worthwhile causes. Having had a whole game shooting season to get your eye in, the competition should be fierce.”
Twenty five teams took part in the 2014 event, which was won by the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and included teams from BASC, the CLA, the Countryside Alliance, The Angling Trust and the National Farmers’ Union.
Places are limited so advance booking is essential.
To book a place please contact BASC Central on 01283 810910 or central@basc.org.uk